Last Wednesday was Halle’s first dance class. It’s a 3-4 year old Ballet/Tap/Gym class and I really had no idea what to expect, from the class or from Halle. Halle has always shown an interest in dancing, and the performing arts in general. She’s not shy at all when it comes to dancing or singing or putting on a show in front of a room full of her friends or complete strangers. So I thought this was a good fit for her. But she’s also the type of person who won’t do something if she doesn’t want to, or if it scares her, so I wasn’t sure how the gymnastics part of the class was going to be for her.

Before we got into the studio, Halle met a little girl in the parking lot. The girl, Kaylin, asked Halle if she wanted to be her friend and Halle smiled and agreed. They held hands as they walked in to the studio together and stayed that way for 15 minutes while we waited for the class to start. When the teacher walked in, I was instantly pleased. I could tell immediately that she was the perfect person to teach young girls. Sweet, patient, fun, adorable. When the teacher led the girls into the studio and had them all sit against the wall, Halle made sure to sit right next to her (Ms. Brianna) with Kaylin on her other side. As the class went on, Halle and Kaylin continued to find each other and sit by each other every chance they got. And at the end of the class, they gave each other a big hug and kiss. It’s nice to see that Halle has no trouble making friends!

As far as the class went, it really went well. Halle listened and tried to do everything that was asked of her. She genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. I was impressed to see her doing shuffle-ball-changes in the very first class, letting the assistant teacher help her into a handstand, and doing three assisted somersaults (she doesn’t do them on her own yet). She had a light airy bounce to her step throughout the entire class as though she was walking on clouds, and a huge smile on her face. Her second class is tonight. Hope it’s as successful as the first one!