The spirit of a dancer

She was a reluctant newborn, our granddaughter Sylvie. We weren’t sure she’d survive or if she did, if she’d have disabilities. Oxygen deprivation was a concern but Sylvie is our miracle who dances.

She has the spirit of a dancer, showing expression in every movement. This past year, she attended classes in tap, modern and ballet, did exams in modern and tap and did well in them. Sylvie shows “talent and musicality” according to the examiners. Also, she was invited to attend a dance camp this summer though she is younger than the required age for the camp.

At the end of the final show, Sylvie always cries because dance is over for another year. Her teacher sees her ability, enthusiasm and passion for dance and awarded her a trophy as the Junior Dancer of the Year. 

She also won a bursary in honour of a former dancer of the school who died tragically this past year. That young woman, Emma Gillis, had a passion for dance as well.

Sylvie is eight years old and her interest in dance may not survive the teenage years. However for now, her family supports her in her love of dance.

We’ll see where it takes her in the next few years.

The final show

She cried to break her heart. Her mother, our daughter, wrapped her arms around her oldest child, Sylvie, and asked what was wrong.

“Dance is over again,” Sylvie replied through the sobs.

This was the scene after the final show for the 2017-18 season. The last ten months were busy for both granddaughters, as dance classes filled the calendar. At seven, Sylvie took three classes and assisted her teacher with a class of younger students. Five year old Caitlin took two classes.

The showcase for the students who worked so hard all year was a treat. From the little four year olds to the senior students, everyone did a wonderful job.

This year Sylvie had the stage to herself for a brief time as Snow White, summoning princesses on stage, the girls from the class she helped with all year. She proceeded to put them to sleep with a bite from that special apple. 

Sylvie also performed with her tap and ballet classes, never missing a beat.

Caitlin performed her ballet steps as a mouse. She was not shy on stage and performed every movement well. She was the cutest mouse ever!

For now, dancing is a passion for both girls. Who knows what the future will bring but Sylvie and Caitlin are already talking about what classes they want to do next year.