Today she danced

She practiced her spring recital routine for months and months.

Today was the big day.

She got dressed up. It was a circus-themed show.

 

She was a "ring master" in tap shoes.

 

Hers was the first class to perform. They did great. She was magnificent.

 

 

When she's on that stage, in the spotlight, a sea of audience members away from me, she seems big. She seems destined for great things. Every time I see her perform I'm overwhelmed by how fast she's growing and what a beautiful person she's becoming. Next year she'll be taking on new styles and more complex routines and she'll be even more magnificent to me.

Today, after the show, I took her by the hand and we walked to the coffee cart by the library for chocolate milk to celebrate her dance season. I told her how proud I am of her and how much I enjoyed watching her dance and we talked about all she has to look forward to next year in dance school.

I was delighted when she announced after sucking down her refreshing treat that she wanted to go ride the swings at the playground. It made me realize that she is still little. She is 5 and I'm glad she's in no hurry to grow up.