My Beautiful Year: The Most Beautiful Ballerina

Tonight was Tessie's first ballet recital. For weeks she has been talking about it, dancing around the house, and brimming with excitement. As the day grew nearer she practically vibrated. As it turned out, Tessie had a dress rehearsal two hours before the actual performance. I was going to have to get her to the rehearsal, pick her up a half an hour later, get something to eat, have her back an hour later, and then stand in line for tickets. The closer it got to go time, the more nervous I became. I started to panic that I wouldn't have something she needed, so I searched the house for her tights and ballet slippers, and breathed easier once they were in the bag. We did a test run of her hair and make up, yes she had to wear makeup, but it was only a little blush on her cheeks and eyelids and some lip gloss. I felt confident that we were ready.

Nick and I got her to rehearsal just in time. She looked so cute walking in with her hair in a tight bun, and her ballet bag on her shoulder. She was very serious as she said goodbye to me, and I started wistfully after her as she was whisked backstage, my stomach in knots. After the rehearsal she was very quiet, but she told us it was fun, and that she was still excited for the recital. We dropped her back off at the theatre after dinner, told her that we couldn't wait to see her dance, and waved goodbye. Then we stood in line with the rest of the parents and community members, and waited to see Tessie's minute in the spotlight. We were nowhere near prepared.

Tessie is in the youngest class, and they were dancing as ladybugs. At the end of the first act they came tiptoeing onto the stage with a couple of older girls, and my heart instantly melted. Tes looked so sweet. She was near the back but we still had a good view as they started their dance. Then Tes must have decided she didn't like her spot, because she came right to the front of the stage. She moved around a few times, before ending up next to the older dancer, and directly in front of her cheering section. Meanwhile, all the other ladybugs were actually doing a fantastic job of dancing. Tes didn't seem concerned with the steps, however, as she scanned the audience. I was holding my breath. Then she spotted us. She broke out into a giant grin, and started waving and pointing at us. The entire audience, who were already laughing, let loose. She was a riot. I was laughing so hard that the video I was taking shook the whole time.

Suddenly, Tessie remembered she was supposed to be dancing, and she hurried to find the right spot to stand. She was very concerned about being in the right place, and started to ask the older dancer if she was right. The poor little girl standing next to her looked utterly exasperated. She did manage to pull of one move, however, and it was great! They ended the dance by skipping sweetly around the stage, with Tes trailing behind in more of a gallop. Then the little ladybugs lay down on the stage and went to sleep. Tessie managed that one just fine.

As they stood up to explosive applause, Tes jumped up and down, waving at us with all her might. My heart had never been so full. At intermission I walked to the stage door, and caught her as she came rushing towards me, her face lit up with exquisite joy, and I told her I had never been more proud of her. She may not be the most disciplined ballerina, but as far as I'm concerned, she has the most beautiful spirit I have ever seen.