Dance Sister Essay

Because of the snow storm, we have all been home for six days in a row so far.  The girls have kept busy practicing violin and ballet, and doing homework.  But, I cringed when Lacey's teacher sent an email asking that the students write an "information essay."  They were to select a person, place or thing that they know well, and write 3 to 5 paragraphs.  Lacey doesn't particularly enjoy reading and writing.  She is still learning English and writing can be challenging.    I told her to brainstorm a list of possible topics.  At the top of her list was, "monkeys."

  "What do you know about monkeys," I asked.

"Almost nothing," Lacey admitted.

Next on the list was "football."

"How much do you know about football?" I asked.

"Not much," Lacey replied.

"Why don't you pick something that you know a lot about?" I prompted.  "In fact, pick something that your teacher doesn't know about.  That way, she won't know if your details are correct or not."

Lacey thought for a few seconds and then grinned.  "I've got it," she said.  "And, I don't need anybody's help!"

She disappeared for about 30 minutes and returned with several pages.  I was thrilled that she had completed the assignment on her own without complaining.  She had written about the Manassas Ballet Theater!  It is really funny to see the ballet academy from the perspective of the sister who sits on the sidelines
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The New Girl Reflects on the Nutcracker

Yesterday when I opened my car door, the wind grabbed a paper plate from the floor of the back seat.  I chased after the plate as it rolled across the parking lot.  When it became airborne, I stopped running and stood watching.  Two thoughts immediately crossed my mind.  First, I was thankful that the plate was biodegradable and I wouldn't have to feel guilty about polluting the environment.  Next, I was hit with the reality that the Nutcracker was really over and I would no longer be serving meals in the car!

This was Cassie's first time dancing in the Nutcracker.  And, because it consumed the last six months of our lives, a few moments of reflection are called for.  What did I learn from the experience?  What can I do better next time?

Look closely at the Nutcracker in this photo.  He kind of says it all!

Finding our Zen with the Nutcracker!

One note of explanation is necessary here.  The "New Girl" in the title of this entry actually refers to me, not Cassie.  This nickname was given to me by a seasoned Dance Mom who, caught up in the fury of costume sewing, didn't have time to learn names.  When I didn't respond to "Wendy," she thought "New Girl," was a good fit.  I didn't object.  In fact, I loved the nickname.  It gave me an excuse for making mistakes and asking too many questions.

The first thing I learned was that "Mother G" is not a euphemism for "the f word."  Back in June, when I heard "Mother G!" I thought that adults were just being careful in front of the kids.   Then I learned that "Mother G" is a reference to the role children play in "Mother Gigone."  Check out these photos.

Here is the wonderful Andrew, starring as "Mother G,"

with some of the dancers who played the children.

Cassie in her "Mother G" costume

The next thing I learned is that the experience of supporting the Nutcracker production rivals that of completing Army Basic Training.  Fixing hair and makeup, tying pointe shoes, quick changes with "Rat Heads," making children march quietly in lines, all while being sleep deprived and on a tight timetable......brings to mind fixing hair and applying camouflage, lacing combat boots, wearing helmets, marching in formation. . . .

Cassie showing a dancer how to tie a shoe

The Rat Heads/Combat Helmets

Cassie preparing for the Battle Scene

All right.  The next lesson was about food.  Once they are in costume, the kids can't eat.  It made sense for Cassie to eat at the last possible minute so that she wouldn't get too hungry.  On the way to the first performance, we stopped at a nearby sandwich shop.  Their computer was down and they could only take cash which, of course, I didn't have.  The next day, armed with cash, we headed toward the sandwich shop.  Ooops!  It had closed early that day.  On the third day, I phoned the nearby Thai restaurant early so that Cassie could eat during intermission.  It was a good plan; but they lost my order.   This is all a big explanation for why there was a paper plate on the floor of my car.  I decided that the most efficient way for Cassie to eat was in the car on the way to the theater. 

Eating Thai food backstage

Another important lesson for "The New Girl," was that anything can be mended.  What can be done with a needle and thread is simply amazing.  That's why I wasn't concerned when the kids found a football backstage.  If they ripped anything, it could be mended.  

Some of the kids play football while waiting for their curtain call

Another thing I learned was that I should stop trying to convince Lacey to be in the Nutcracker next time.  She enjoyed her sister role and was amazingly supportive, wrapping gifts and helping with decorations at home.  Although she had reservations about sitting through something that didn't have any talking, she watched and enjoyed the Nutcracker twice.  During intermission Lacey pulled $40 from her purse, explaining that she had brought money along just to buy me a glass of wine. In her words, this would be, "well money spent."   I was glad that she was absorbing my lectures about saving money, even though she had a little trouble with word order.  And, I was touched that she was willing to forfeit $40 to buy me a drink.  I thanked her and reminded her that she needed the money for Christmas shopping.  

The Nutcracker is very cool, even without talking!

Dancing in the Nutcracker was a wonderful experience for Cassie.  It was performed with a live orchestra.  The kids danced side by side with the professional dancers, who were wonderfully supportive.  Cassie will treasure this experience for the rest of her life.

Here are a couple final pictures.

The Rats wait backstage - the tall one is Cassie.

Photo Bomb