We started my daughter's theatre and dance journey back in early February. My daughter, along with every tweener in the world, loves Jo Jo Siwa. Then, we began watching Dance Moms together (because that's where she started from) and she quickly became obsessed with the dance world.
Since was daughter was old enough to speak, she has always said she wanted to be a famous singer. And like every parent of a child, you hear about all these various things they want to be when they're older - ex. a princess, astronaut, etc. So I took it in stride and we went about our lives. It wasn't until teachers in school, peers, and strangers on the street (because my daughter is always singing everywhere and anywhere), started to validate her talent. And then, she placed 3rd place in our local Talent show with only 1 day preparation and singing acapello. That's when I finally started to think, OK, maybe we should begin to dabble into this talent and pull whatever we can from it. Especially since, she has such passion for it all. When other children are playing and crafting, she's trying to copy Maddie Ziegler's lyrical dances, or writing her own songs about bullying, and trying to perfect her pitch to her favorite songs. These are her idea of play.
Here's the link to that story:
That time my daughter sung in front of a crowd...
So, we found ourselves on the doorsteps of a local studio...
It was a Tuesday in February.
Classes had already been in session since September.
She was dressed head to toe in her new leotard.
She was nervous, but very excited.
Scared, but determined...
Her class went flawless, there wasn't any separation anxiety - from either of us. This place felt comfortable. And, it was made complete with a visible camera to view the children in the class. For me, this was a safety concern and also, to see how she was feeling and if she was enjoying herself.
Then, to add to our quickly rising agenda, 3 days later, she auditioned for her first musical (through the same studio).
*For all you who have followed my posts from the beginning or know us personally, know my daughter is a sensitive soul who is thoroughly attached and requires "prep work" before going to any new situation...
Well, since I have never been part of the theatre world, I couldn't prep her of what to expect for this process...
The audition was a long 3 hours. She was hesitant walking in, which made me nervous. And after a long drawn-out separation, she only lasted about an hour until she came back out to the waiting area in full fledged tears.
She was overwhelmed.
I sat on the floor beside her, building her up and reminiscing the reasons why she wanted to do all of this in the first place. I didn't want to leave, because she would have had immense regret. But, I also didn't want to force anything upon her, because this was going to be a big commitment. And in this industry, you have to want to do this, in order to flourish.
So, long story short, she decided to stay...
...And left with acting lines, a duet, and a solo... And a boost of confidence that will forever be irreplaceable...
We spent the next 3.5 months rehearsing for theatre and dancing for the upcoming recital.
Friendships were made and bonds were formed...
This was no longer an extracurricular activity, but now a lifestyle.
In this short amount of time, this studio feels like home. My daughter doesn't hesitate to walk away from me, in fact, she runs through the door while I'm still getting out of my car. And she wishes she could be there everyday.
It's now June, the musical production has ceased and the recital came to a close. We're moving onto the summer schedule... Where she is in another play, doing a solo lyrical routine, a group ballet dance, and taking vocal lessons...
She's only 7 years old, but this girl knows what she wants and who she wants to be...
She isn't scared to put in the work and long hours...
And, I often think back to that first audition and wonder how differently things would be, if she didn't have the courage to walk back inside. Or, if I was one of those parents who has little patience and became easily frustrated and pulled her out of the studio... How her confidence would have just plummeted and her love for this industry might have ceased right at that moment. But instead, she has made friends which carries over to her school and is allotted a creative avenue to enhance her performance personality.
And, she doesn't just view this as fun, she views this as an education to help her become much more.
And one day, when she's famous, I'll always remember that first week at the studio. I'll remember how difficult it was for her to do something new; to make her step outside her comfort zone...
Just to lay the foundation for the future she really wants...
And for only being 7 years old, those are some big thoughts.
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