Dance Class

 This Spring we enrolled Ainsley in a dance class.  As we approach her entry into 3 year old preschool this fall, we wanted her to have more chances to interact with other children in a group setting.  She also loves to flit about the house.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.  The first class went moderately well.  

What color butterfly are you today?

 Each class would begin with a stretching time in a circle.  Each class the teacher would ask the students what color butterfly they were.  At first, I wondered if Ainsley would even answer or talk to this strange woman.  I was pleasantly surprised when she responded, "red."


Later, I realized that this question made quite an impression upon Ainsley.  She was determined that her answer meant something important to her, the teacher, and the other students.  She would tell me hours before dance class what butterfly she was going to be that day, as if she'd been really thinking about it.  She'd struggle with the decision, and I always wondered what she'd answer in this particular class.  In the end she answered every time with the same answer.  She is a RED butterfly.

Another segment of every class was the "dancing with ribbons" dance.  Each girl chose their own ribbon and then pranced about the room flailing wildly.  Each time we met for class, we were just inches away from someone's eye being put out.  The students always got to choose their own ribbon.  Notice what color she has chosen in the picture above.   

Another favorite part of the class was the "Listen" dance.  They would listen to a certain beat and imitate the sound with their bodies.  Marching beats, sneaky tip-toe beats.  She seemed to do well with this particular dance, but refused to walk in the same circular direction as the other students and the teacher.  I'm not sure if she even realized that she was the only child walking against traffic.  

Unfortunately, Ainsley really struggled paying attention to the teacher.  There were just a few of the slew of activities that she wanted to participate in.  Mostly, she wanted to freestyle to her own beat and ignore the teacher and the other students.  She also really wanted to root through the teacher's supply of goodies to find herself a treasure.  

We're hoping in another year, her "Terrible Two" behavior and listening skills will be built up enough to give it another try.  At least we have another option for dress up time at home.