Dancing Queen

Amira and I went to an open house event for our friend, Fatima, who recently relocated her studio to a newer and nicer location. Of course the evening was filled with a variety of dancers from all over the globe, but below are photos of my favorite dancer.

Monkey Business

Littlest Nutcracker

Well the big day finally came for Amira's first dance recital, and as to be expected we were so EXCITED. She and her little friends did a great job. The show was really fun.

Can you tell it's a bright sunny day for her big performance?

Little sweetie getting ready for her big "Candy Cane" performance.
Anthony presenting Amira with a rose after her performance.
The "star" feasting
Grandma & Grandpa had a little party after the show for Amira

Dress Rehearsal

Today was dress rehearsal/picture day at Amira's dance studio. They have been preparing for their dance recital, which will be taking place on December 8th. I'm sure at this point the parents are far more excited than the kids because I don't believe any of the four performing have ever done a recital before so therefore don't know what to expect.

I was able to sneak a couple of pictures of her in her costume (her group is going to be Candy Canes - performing a song from the Nutcracker). The first two were captured by my digital, but then the batteries died, , so had to resort to my cell for the other two.

Her teacher let the girls show the parents a preview of their dance routine today, which was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute. ;-)

Happy Feet

Last Thursday evening Amira and I were so excited because we were finally going to see Mixed Up Me and Angela after a dry spell. With school back in session and Angela’s theater rehearsals our time isn’t as flexible as it is during the summer, so we managed to squeeze in a little time together.

I’m not sure who was more thrilled Amira or myself, but regardless we were excited. When I told Amira we were meeting them the first thing she said was is, “which Starbucks are we meeting at?” I was embarrassed and thrilled at the same time because first I was so proud of her memory skills and then second embarrassed that she equates the four of us with Starbucks. Anyway, we got to Starbucks and Mixed Up Me and I immediately start catching up as we knew the clock is ticking, and Amira and Angela started playing as well. Watching them out of the corner of my eye I could see they were practicing something, but wasn’t quite sure what it was. All I knew was they were ripping the place apart, they weren’t disturbing patrons, they were not screaming and Mixed Up Me and I were able to catch up---all signs of a successful Starbucks visit. :-)

When our time was wrapping up the girls came over and said they wanted to show us something. They wanted to show us the penguin dance, which of course is a made up name as well as a made up dance. Angela asked Amira if she was ready, and she said she wasn’t because she wanted to dance with Brandon. Whoever Brandon is???? However, Angela being the good sport she is agreed to assume the role of Brandon. And with that said I leave you this quick little clip I was able to capture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nYbDW9JLyo

Ballerina of Swan Lake

Mashallah, my baby – the dancing princess. The ballerina of Swan Lake.

Last Friday was an introductory ballet and tap class for kids from 4 to 5 years old at a gymnastic/dance studio near our house. Amira was so thrilled to be going to her own dance class because she sees me going to mine once a week. When we got to the studio and she realized they were kids her age, she was even more thrilled. So after trying the class she decided she wanted to do it again and again.

I nervously inquired as to the cost of the dance class and all the paraphernalia that goes along with taking classes (i.e., unitard, tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes, and lord knows what else they’ll want from you besides your two front teeth). I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t going to cost me my one good shimmying hip. I was informed we could purchase the clothes and shoes at our local retailers, Target, Wal-Mart and Payless Shoe Source, which I was thrilled to learn. However, I just know this isn’t the end----they will sucker me somehow as it seems to happen with my own classes. It seems I’m always buying a new outfit for any of our performances. Nonetheless, as long as she’s having a good time that’s all that matters to me.

So here are a few photos for this morning's class.

Getting ready to begin class

First one in class

Class begins

Stretching

Tap stepping across line
Hugging teacher at the end of class