6th Grade Dance

For the past couple of months, the 6th graders have been learning various dances as part of their curriculum. This included the Waltz, the Jitterbug, Country Swing, ChaCha, Virginia Reel and variety of group dances. They did this in preparation for the end of the year dance that would be held on the next to last day of school. We were informed as parents that we would not be invited (due to the fact that the kids were skittish about dancing with the opposite sex in front of their parents) and there would be no pictures allowed. This dance was going to be a "big" deal but only for them.

Well I lucked out. The room mothers for each class were invited to help with the refreshment table. Since I was sort of the back up room mom, Alyssa asked if I wanted to go. This sort of surprised me but I felt happy that she was comfortable enough with me to see her in this situation. I jumped at the chance to go. Jocelyn was willing to host Brianna for a play date, with a little help from her mom of course :) , so that I would be free and clear to keep an "eye on those cookies".

It was really neat to be there. You could tell those kids had worked really hard to learn the dances. They were all dressed in their Sunday best and were so cute to watch as they attempted to feel comfortable in this new and strange social situation. The event was really well organized. Each kid had a dance card and their various partners had been assigned before hand.

I loved watching Alyssa have a great time. Once again I was struck by how fast time goes. She was my first baby and here she was dancing with boys. It was so sweet and innocent and yet a little unnerving nonetheless.

They danced for a good hour and half. The kids were red faced and sweaty when it was over but nearly every one of them wore a smile from ear to ear. It was neat.

Since I couldn't take pictures I have included Alyssa's dance card for posterity sake.

Alyssa's Shakespeare Play

Last night Alyssa had her official debut in her first Shakespeare play. Actually 2 plays. Her class put on Macbeth and Twelfth Night. Alyssa has been looking forward to performing Shakespeare ever since she first saw the 6th graders perform when she was in the third grade.

They had auditions a couple of months ago and even thought Alyssa didn't get the parts she was aiming for she jumped right in with the gusto of a true born actress. The class did the set, props, sound effects and even costumes. Alyssa never once asked for help with lines and it wasn't until I saw the extent of all she had to memorize that I was truly impressed.

The caliber of the performance was outstanding for a group of sixth graders. I know that I couldn't do half the job that they did.

In Macbeth, Alyssa had a few minor roles. At one point she witnessed the murder of her child and her facial expressions and "fake" crying were truly believable. She did quite well as an extra even though it wasn't her favorite.

She had a larger role in Twelfth Night. This play was a little less dark and more entertaining to watch. She played the part of Maria, a lady in waiting to a countess. She had several lines and delivered them all with confidence and a dramatic flair like no other. Of course we always knew that she had the natural tendency towards "drama". Well it paid off. She didn't miss a line. Her character was a little bit of a schemer and at times it seemed as if she wasn't acting at all. She did a fabulous job and I was quite proud.

Overall it was an enjoyable experience for her and she hopes to someday be in other plays or musicals on a junior high or high school level. I look forward to many performances in the future.