Last summer Anna tried out a six-week ballet class and absolutely loved it.  When big brother headed to all-day school in the fall, we decided Anna could use something of her own to do, too.  So, she chose ballet again and attended a weekly class from September through May of this year.

Anna loved everything about ballet – from the beautiful tutus and fun costumes to the sweet friends she made to the big recital at the end of the season.  She not only enjoyed herself but was pretty good at it too!  She has great balance and loves to dance and twirl. She was always quick to listen and follow directions in class.  And, Anna quickly came to LOVE Miss Bethany.

I’ve loved the ballet studio we were recommended to – Turning Pointe School of Dance.  A lovely gal who loves Jesus started this little studio ages ago with a handful of students meeting in church basements.  Over the years her studio grew and her team of teachers now instruct hundreds of kids each week.  The teachers talk with the girls about what it means to use dance as a form of worship to God.  They talk with them about modesty as they choose dance costumes.  They taught the girls scripture and had times of prayer.  We are so thankful for places like this that not only help solidify what we’re teaching our kids at home, but also show them how our Christian worldview affects every aspect of our lives – even our extra-curricular fun, like ballet.  If you are local and are looking for a ballet studio, I highly recommend Turning Pointe.

Anna grew in several ways during this year of ballet.  Of course she’s taller and more coordinated than when she started.  Her hair grew quite a bit too!  When we began last summer there just wasn’t enough hair for the required bun or ponytail.  But as the year went on, the ponytail began to take shape.  Anna also learned how to be part of a group – how to work together as part of team to strive towards the big recital.

Then, May finally arrived and it was time to wear the cute nurse recital costume she’d been waiting to wear. The big day came and Anna did such a great job.  A couple girls were intimidated by that big stage and huge audience and froze dead in their tracks. Anna ate it all up, though, and loved every minute of being on that stage.  (I think there’s a lot of Daddy in her.)  She smiled, remembered their routine, and afterwards wanted to do it all again.  I had happy, mama tears watching our little ballerina up there – it was such a joy to watch her dance.

Anna is taking a break from ballet now, but I would imagine that at some point she’ll want to return.  Anna-girl, we are so proud of you!

Psalm 149:3 – Praise His name with dancing!