First Dance Recital

Ready to dance...

Or maybe not so ready.

Actually, most of the dance recital week was spent in the happier version of these two pictures. But like each of the seventy 3 and 4 year olds in the recital, Abby Grace had her ups and downs.

Abby's dancing debut included a tap and ballet number and a small role in the finale of three separate performances, which included more costume changes than even I care to remember.

A few things to remember: Dress rehearsal was utter and complete chaos! Abby's class was supposed to be the first of the little ones on stage, but when the music started, they were not there, leaving the director to screech, "Where are my dancers?" Rumor has it that they were not even in the wings yet as the backstage moms for that part were still trying to get tap shoes on everybody. Whew! Thank goodness for dress rehearsal.

Abby performed beautifully, except for one time. It was my night in the wings and I refused to hold her while she waited to go on stage. "Do you see anybody else being held by their mamas?" Well, she showed me! She crossed her arms, and instead of "kick stepping" across the stage, she marched. And of course, the audience laughed. Let me tell you though, Priss Miss got no laugh whatsoever from her mama. Do you know how grateful I was that we didn't have anybody there watching her that night?

One of the sweetest moments for me was the finale. Every performance brought tears to my eyes as Abby walked back down the aisle with a candle in her hand. Or maybe it was her sweet little curtsies. Or maybe the sweet kiss that she blew at the end of her tap performance. Or maybe when her daddy, grandparents, and cousin gave her flowers. Okay, maybe I just thought every part was the sweetest part...