a dancer's debut

Monday was Annikah's last dance class at the park district and her teacher invited all the parents in for the last 10 minutes for an impromptu recital of sorts (really just showing us some of what they learned). The kids basically ran around the room jumping and twirling with various props to some silly songs. Bibi and I had hyped it up all week telling Anni we could not wait to see her perform and honestly I was so excited. This is one of those moments in the raising of a little girl that is just fabulous and I was SOOO the giddy "soccer mom" who came with 3 cameras in tow to capture every moment (2 of the batteries died). Bibi, Jason, and even Babu came to see her big debut as a dancer, well as an "official" dancer as she has been dancing since she could crawl. She could not help smiling but would quickly try to hide it and look away so not to give away how pleased she was that an entire entourage of adoring fans came to cheer her on. As she twirled and leaped I was just warm inside, me heart smiled as I watched my little girl who is getting bigger everyday dance her heart out. It was one of those Mama days I wish I could hit the pause button. I guess these pictures will have to do....

special "dancer hair"
the performer in action

mid leap

pretending to be an elephant in an animal number

a dramatic end

perfect dancer pose

with her proud Papa

and adoring Bibi

these feet were made for dancin'