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Monday, 11 December 2017

First steps

Last summer, I took our granddaughters, ages four and six, to see the summer production of the  College of Piping here in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The girls loved the show and both wanted to take step dance classes at the college in addition to the ballet classes they enjoy.



They have taken classes since September and enjoy them. This past weekend, they had their Christmas show which highlights the work the students have done this fall.

Our girls were there, on stage, enjoying every minute. Neither is nervous going on stage and both look forward to performing. 



Sylvie’s expression shows her delight in the experience. She loves to dance.




The younger child, Caitlin, loves on stage too. She did every step and with much aplomb.



She delights in performance as well.



We have yet to discover from whom the girls get their love of dance. Neither their parents nor grandparents are performers and some of us lack rhythm. The love of movement, expression, rhythm and performance skipped a few generations to come together in the girls. Will this enjoyment continue through youth? Who knows? For now, the enjoyment is evident and encouraged by the family.

Meanwhile, their six month old brother watched every performance and didn’t cry when the bagpipes and drums performed. Is he a dancer too? Or a drummer? Only time will tell.

40 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Lets hope that, for everyone's sake, he doesn't take up the bagpipes!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

So cute! Maybe their brother will be a piper.

DJan said...

They are adorable! I love to see young girls enjoying dancing. And they got rhythm, it seems! :-)

Debbie said...

i believe i remember their first experience!! they are beautiful girls and i LOVED their outfits!!!

Joanne Noragon said...

Wonderful girls and wonderful pictures. I can hear those taps on the wood.

Tabor said...

Just a little Degas there.

Ginnie said...

They are absolutely adorable Marie. Those look like clogging or tap shoes so I'd imagine they sound as good as they look !

Celia said...

Darling girls in their cute dresses! Good for them. Hope the little one dances too such joy.

Elephant's Child said...

What complete honeys. For some reason bagpipe music always makes me weep, but that precious pair would have induced sentimental tears anyway.

Bill said...

It's wonderful that they find lots of enjoyment in dancing and you find lots of enjoyment watching them perform. It priceless for all!

Down by the sea said...

I remember you mentioning the visit to the summer production. Your grand daughters do look as if they are really enjoying their dancing you must be so proud of them! Sarah x

jenny_o said...

Isn't that wonderful?! They learn so quickly at that age, willing to try anything new. It's great for kids when their instructors arrange a performance; it gives them a boost - and their parents, too.

Ginnie Hart said...

OMG! Start 'em young, as we say. How delightful, Marie. I'd be popping all my buttons, as surely you were, too. I would love to think they'll carry dance into their far distant futures! I'm not sure little brother has a choice??? :)

Anonymous said...

They are beautiful. How grand that they enjoy this so much. Such fun for the family to watch and encourage them.

Rhodesia said...

Great photos and beautiful children Keep well Diane

Marie Smith said...

I couldn’t bring myself to write bagpipes in the piece. I have grown to love the sound but whilst someone is learning, I don’t know.

Marie Smith said...

Maybe, but could he skip all the practice which everyone would have to endure? Lol.

Marie Smith said...

They are joyful whilst performing, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Their British grandma gave them the dresses. They were perfect for the occasion.

Shammickite said...

Oh dear, I haven't been keeping up with blogs, either my own or other people's! Your little girlies are lovely, I'm so glad they enjoy dancing. Such a nice form of expression.

Marie Smith said...

They enjoyed every minute, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

Indeed, Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

The tap shoes were perfect, Ginnie.

Marie Smith said...

Both enjoy dance so much, Celia.

Marie Smith said...

This grandmother had a tear or two, EC.

Marie Smith said...

It was a great family experience, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

We love to see them enjoying something so much, Sarah.

Marie Smith said...

It is amazing how much the girls learned in such a short time, Jenny.

Marie Smith said...

Little brother will find his own joy I’m sure. A part of me hopes it’s not the bagpipes because of the practice required! Lol.

Marie Smith said...

The joy they experience from performance is a wonder to behold, Mildred.

Marie Smith said...

It was a great afternoon, Diane.

Marie Smith said...

Dance is such a beautiful expressive art form, Shammi.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh my gosh they are both too gorgeous Marie! Adorable pictures you took here, you must have been bursting with pride. I know I was on Sunday evening watching my 6year old great niece in her first ballet concert.. like your girls she loved every minute ☺

Jenn said...

That's so great that they enjoy dancing! I hope they never stop!

Anvilcloud said...

Step dancing is great fun. When I go to a Celtic or country concert, people really warm up if there are a few step dance routines. From what I can gather, Ottawa Valley step dancing may be a little wilder or more exuberant than the east coast variety, but my knowledge is limited, and I am probably wrong about that. Anyway, great fun for the kiddies and the parents and grands to watch.

Marie Smith said...

It is wonderful to see children take delight in things, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

I hope so too, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

The step dancing taught here is very disciplined, AC.

Barbara said...

How fun! I think children should be encouraged to dance and sing and play musical instruments. The creative genes sometimes show themselves quickly but other times need more exposure to take root. I don't really have any talents either but I can cut a rug around the living room!

Marie Smith said...

You are creative, Barbara. I don’t have your creative ability at crafts.