Emerson's Dance Recital 2012

Our little spitfire took to the stage yesterday afternoon.  She has been looking forward to her recital since her first dance class back in August.  We have thoroughly enjoyed being at Miss Shelly's this year, and having Miss Shelly herself for a teacher has been divine.  This woman is more than a dance instructor... she pours into the hearts of these little ballerinas and teaches character, grace, and joy right along with the dance steps.  At the beginning of the recital, she had the graduating seniors come front and center, she read a hand-written letter highlighting their academic and extracurricular achievements, and she told them how proud she was of them.  Between her choking up at the end and the crocodile tears coming from many of the dancers, it was evident that she means the world to these girls.  I had to fight the tears, too, imagining my own girls up there someday, saying goodbye to a woman who will undoubtedly be such a mentor in their lives as they grow.  So Miss Shelly, don't you even think about retiring!

Here's the lil' dancer posing before heading to the recital.

We left Jax and Hayden at home with Gi-Gi and Sue-Sue.  It was nice not to have to entertain little ones during the entire recital, especially since it was smack dab in the middle of nap time.  Not pictured: Grandma and Pa-Pa Van.

Here's one tired girl ready to go home.

Dancin' it up!





My favorite part?  When she switches places with the girl in the back, she points to where the girl is supposed to stand.  Miss Take-Charge can't help herself.