Samantha's Dance Recital

Samantha's dance recital was on May 3rd this year, with the dance rehearsal being the night before.  This year was a little different than last year because she is now in a more advanced dance class.  That means that she needs to stay for the whole recital and be a part of the finale at the end.  For that reason, we opted to attend, just Steve and me, and leave Sophia and Jack at home with my mom.  It worked out great, as it afforded us the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Sam and kept Jack and Sophia with a semi-normal bedtime.

 

The theme of the recital this year was "Magnificent Mitten," designed to celebrate and commemorate all of the things that are special to the state of Michigan -- the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula, the robin (state bird), Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and some of the music and artists from the state.  Samantha's dance was a tap routine celebrating the snow (which is why she is dressed in white with a winter head band over her ears!).

 

On the stage at the dress rehearsal:

 

Dancing with her sled at the rehearsal:

While she appears to be watching her partner here for cues, she was actually just trying to keep in time with her ... Sam had the whole routine memorized:

There were only four girls in her class this year, but it made for a very close-knit group that followed directions very well:

Getting pulled off the stage in her sled at the end of the dance:

On the night of the recital:

One of the things that I LOVE about this studio is how friendly and laid-back everything is ... even on recital day.  They have crafts and snacks in the back for the kids so that they stay entertained.  They also allow the girls to bring blankets so that they can snuggle in and watch the video of the recital playing while they are waiting to perform.

Making a bookmark for Sophia (Sam really has a heart of gold for her sister):

Posing with two of her friends before the recital:

It's amazing to me how much of a change there was in Samantha's performance from last year to this year.  She truly understood the concept of memorizing the dance routine and really has a natural ability to tap.  At this point, I am planning to have her take tap lessons again next year and enroll Sophia in the Baby Stars class this Fall.  Sophia wants so badly to take lessons, so I am hoping to schedule them on the same night to make things easier ...