Mission #2: Isabelle

In the afternoon we had Isabelle's first ballet class. Brendon got off work early to look after Aidan. I felt that I really wanted to sit in for the entire first lesson to give Isabelle confidence without having to entertain Aidan too - and also I wanted to check out the lessons myself!

Isabelle dressed herself in my old black leotard, purple fairy skirt, pink cardy, pink fairy wings and white floppy sunhat borrowed from Playcentre. On her feet were her new ballet shoes.

We arrived in plenty of time. Another class was still on - it looked as if the students were about 6 or 7, so they would seem very advanced to Isabelle's eyes. We watched them do plies, rises, practice some dance steps for what I assume is the end-of-year show, then curtsey at the end. Then it was Isabelle's turn! We removed the cardy, hat and fairy wings and off she went to sit with her teacher and the other four girls on the studio floor.

Three doting mothers and two proud fathers watched as our little girls stretched, pointed their toes, galloped and skipped around the room. It was incredibly cute, and I must admit I even got a bit teary! But there were also some stiffled giggles from the parents' corner at the expressions on the faces and the girls' efforts to copy the teacher! It really was lovely. And best of all, Isabelle had a huge smile on her face the whole time.

They seemed to follow a set format, which involved some basic ballet moves and some acting out of a script about a fairy picnic to music. There was lots to remember, so I imagine that they will do this same thing all term.

At the end, the teacher called each girl's name. They skipped to the front to music and curtsied to the teacher to say thank you. Isabelle was the last of the five to do this, and did such a deep curtsey that she had to put a hand on the floor to steady herself! Very sweet.

So, fairy ballet seems to be a resounding success. Isabelle is looking forward to next week, and is already planning her outfit.