Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Death by Tutu


Yay! It's ballet recital time! For most families across America, this is a fun time, getting a cute costume and getting to wear make-up (boys too--and let me tell you they are cute). But wait--do you hear that sucking noise--no, it's not your Romba. That's the most anal dance school in the Western Hemisphere making a fun event into a stressful, need a drink NOW, sorta event :0

Before I go on, let me first say I have been going to the most complex, Type A dance recital in America  at the most anal dance school in the Western Hemisphere for almost seven years. So you'd think I would not get all glassy eyed when they pass out the 16 page booklet of rules for each dance during the mandatory come-unless-grandma-just-died-or-you-are-on-your-deathbed parent meeting. But I do. I sigh as I glance through the page after page of requirements like the full page of make-up guidelines or the specific type of tights or the way you need to polish your ballet shoes. And then I get my pen ready for the numerous additions I need to know for each and every dance my daughters are in. I need to trim the wrap around Sara's bun to go exactly ten inches below her low bun; I need to buy special bobby pins to fix the feathers around Miley's high pony tail; the belt buckle on Miley's jazz costume needs to be tacked right on the top of the loop and at the bottom (they'll test it at dress rehearsal).

So you may ask why the heck do I subject my kids to this (have you tried to slick a very tiny girl's hair into a high bun with absolutely no whispies?). Easy, I do it because they love it. They see the months of hard work and constant dedication to do their very best creates a show that the audience will remember forever.  It's a lesson I try to teach in school (get your math facts down and you will find things easy) but is much more vivid to them on show day. And I love how perfect the most complex, type A dance recital in America is. It really is perfect ;)

Tonight I get to attend my mandatory come-unless-grandma-just-died-or-you-are-on-your-deathbed parent meeting for the ballet dances--I have already attended jazz and tap. I will smile and remain calm. Then I will come home, carefully hang the tutus upside down and steam them. Then I will have a lovely glass of Dynamite Merlot while listening to Handel's Water Music. And I will be happy if only until tech rehearsal!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, so well worded. Miss M and Miss K are both in the same class and because of their age, only have ONE dance. Which means only ONE huge expense instead of multiple huge expenses. But they're not so anal about it at our studio and didn't even hand out a rulebook. Makeup is optional. Hair should all be similar but not perfect. Etc. Maybe with their competitive troop they are more stringent.

But oh, I feel for you right now! Our recital is at the end of the month.

Unknown said...

Oh I don't know if I would be able to comply with all the rules. My eyes just might roll out of my head while reading all of that. But you make I good point, and I am sure it's all worth it in the end. What a pretty dancer you have!

Miss Lisa said...

I guess I am also used to it because they have specific wear/hairstyle for class too--my younger daughter is so stoked to be getting her ballet costume in two hours, she is already dressed and her hair is done (and she thinks we should get in the car now so we won't be late).
Another reason I love it :)

Anonymous said...

Can you tuck a flask in your purse for a wee nip now & again?

Brian and Staci said...

Oh! Wow! I can't EVEN imagine what a total wreck I'd be! For starters, I don't even sew buttons...so my belt wouldn't pass dress rehearsal. Not great at measuring either...so the bun wouldn't be exactly 10 inches below or above whatever it's supposed to be! You are right though...if they love it, it's worth it and I'd do it with a great big smile. I'm saying a prayer under my breath this very second...thank you Lord for boys who don't want to be in ballet! I know you are chillin' that Merlot RIGHT now! Good luck my friend...I know it will be a great night!

Burgh Baby said...

Better you than me. I'd have a heart attack if somebody tried to impose all those rules on me.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Wow. She looks absolutely lovely

OHmommy said...

I kid you not.... I wish my girls attended THAT kinda of school.

I was brought up in a strict ballet school and loved every minute.

I have searched HIGH and low for a school like mine in rural OHIO.

UGH!

She looks beautiful. And happy. And .... oh man... I am searching for new schools tomorrow.

Momo Fali said...

Who knew there was so much work involved?! I sure didn't! I'm sure it's all worth it in the end though.

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Oh, you are a sweet mommy to do all of that. It sounds like it is very worth it!

Enjoy the wine!

Thanks for the chocolate chip tid bit.

mah-meeee said...

wow, i guess i will have that to look forward to. you can count on me to email you frantically then to ask you how you slick back your girls' hair and what steamer i need to buy to steam them tutus.

btw, i big puffy heart handel's water music.

KC said...

As long as the kids love it, then it will be worth it.. but ONLY the love for my children would have me putting up with such things LOL..

Purple Teacup said...

I loved my dance classes when I was a kid. You are a trooper. I still want to take dance classes, but I am NOT wearing a tutu. And Water Music is one of my faves!

Kendra said...

Well She looks beautiful!

I have been searching for a good ballet school for my daughter ... I might not what is in store for me though! :)

Texasholly said...

I would totally give up. You are a more patient woman then I. Obviously God knew what he was doing when he gave me boys.

CC said...

Wow. Um...doesn't sound fun at ALL! maybe the instructor will read this and lighten up? ;)

JCK said...

Hope the merlot was delicious!

The dance recitals sound intimidating. But, the kids love it! Guess I'll have to get a grip in a few years.