My little girl started dancing around the age of 5 and has loved it very much. At first, it was just very sweet to see her don a tutu and twirl around. Then, it was interesting to see her take something very serious, striving for the perfect moves and memorizing every step in tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical tumbling. She really shined on stage and had a very unusual confidence for a young girl. Now, I can place her on stage and ask her to give a speech or any other situation, and she will readily and comfortably do so. Dance has been a huge asset for her.
She suddenly went through a stage last year where she wanted to try gymnastics instead of dance. She was frustrated because of all the girls that didn't want to be in dance (yet parents made them) penalized the serious dancers by goofing off and having them repeat the practice extra. She tried gymnastics and was doing well until an unusual winter hit and we were stuck in our mountain home under piles of snow. She didn't want to return after that and just wanted to stay more at home.
At the beginning of this year, a friend and her were dancing in the basement in their full attire (her friend never having taken real dance classes), and they decided to join a dance class together. They were signed up at a new place during the summer, but had to wait until August to start. She said it was the best class she ever took and was really enjoying it. She had all of a few weeks before the news of my husband's job took place.
However, I am proactively looking for anything and everything that isn't necessary at this time to cut out and cut back, so it was with great regret that I had to sit her down and explain to her that our circumstances were changing for what we hoped was a short stint. My daughter, being a truly unique child, didn't cry or whine or even grumble. She completely understood and with with a sweet disposition said she would be happy to just finish the month we had already paid for, glad she could have a few more classes. I know it broke my husband's heart. When I first put her in dance, he thought it was a waste of time and money (how about a sport or something?). However, after seeing her perform and excel, he has come to adore his tiny dancer. He promised that he would really try to get her back into dance as soon as he could. My daughter said she will just keep practicing in the basement and have her friend over to practice with her.
It can be hard when these financial cutbacks affect your children, but it does teach them that there are circumstances where you just can't have and do everything. Taking the responsible route will help them be more mature and more responsible adults.
She suddenly went through a stage last year where she wanted to try gymnastics instead of dance. She was frustrated because of all the girls that didn't want to be in dance (yet parents made them) penalized the serious dancers by goofing off and having them repeat the practice extra. She tried gymnastics and was doing well until an unusual winter hit and we were stuck in our mountain home under piles of snow. She didn't want to return after that and just wanted to stay more at home.
At the beginning of this year, a friend and her were dancing in the basement in their full attire (her friend never having taken real dance classes), and they decided to join a dance class together. They were signed up at a new place during the summer, but had to wait until August to start. She said it was the best class she ever took and was really enjoying it. She had all of a few weeks before the news of my husband's job took place.
However, I am proactively looking for anything and everything that isn't necessary at this time to cut out and cut back, so it was with great regret that I had to sit her down and explain to her that our circumstances were changing for what we hoped was a short stint. My daughter, being a truly unique child, didn't cry or whine or even grumble. She completely understood and with with a sweet disposition said she would be happy to just finish the month we had already paid for, glad she could have a few more classes. I know it broke my husband's heart. When I first put her in dance, he thought it was a waste of time and money (how about a sport or something?). However, after seeing her perform and excel, he has come to adore his tiny dancer. He promised that he would really try to get her back into dance as soon as he could. My daughter said she will just keep practicing in the basement and have her friend over to practice with her.
It can be hard when these financial cutbacks affect your children, but it does teach them that there are circumstances where you just can't have and do everything. Taking the responsible route will help them be more mature and more responsible adults.