Pineapple Princess

 Don't you wanna dance
Say you wanna dance
  Don't you wanna dance...

 

"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" ~ Whitney Houston

 

If there is music, she will dance, her petite frame fluttering about rhythmically. From the time she was little, her body was in motion.  With age, they have become more expressive, refined and dramatic.  In January, she began ballet and tap lessons, courtesy of her Mimi, who faithfully picked her up each Tuesday taking her to class.  It was a highlight of her week, an appointment she anticipated and delighted in.  June 8th, our pineapple princess, had her ballet debut participating in The Dance Academy, Ltd's Enchanted Tiki Room recital.  With hair pulled taut in high bun, sparkly eye shadow and mascara (perhaps her favorite aspect of the recital), our sweet gal took to the stage.  Keeping her eyes firmly planted on her instructor dancing in the wings, she performed the steps of her number, toes pointed, smile wide.  Tears filled my eyes as I watched her graceful moments, overcome with love, pride and sweet affection.  I would gladly sit through the two hour recital again just to watch her take the stage one more time.  How thankful we were for the family who came out Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to watch our girl's performance.  And, we are especially grateful for Mimi, who patiently sat outside studio doors each week, altered costumes, laundered tights, baked cookies, chauffeured, sat through the dress rehearsal, and demonstrated such enthusiasm and support for our little girl, imparting her love of ballet and encouraging Charlotte's love of dance.