Ballet

Ballet is hard. Not going to lie. It requires strength, discipline, respect, hard work, time, a good attitude, and listening and open ears and mind. It's not for everyone. You also have to have trust. Trust that the teacher's comments are for your benefit and are to be taken immediately and constantly. Sometimes it's hard to fix a mistake that's become habit or make your body do something it's just not meant to do. My knees have given me trouble because they don't turn out but my hips do. I always thought it was just my inflexible hips but my teacher this year recognized it and has helped me fix it or improve it. Sometimes it's hard to look in the mirror everyday and then look at the girls around you and feel like you're not good enough. But if you take ballet for what it is, what it's supposed to be, it's so worth it!! You gain confidence, friendships,knowledge and appreciation. Nothing else can give you that. You can put yourself into it and make the audience feel something. We're not dancing for judges. We're dancing for the audience, and most importantly ourselves. I'm so thankful for Clytie Adams for seeing the beauty in dance and sharing it with hundreds of girls. I'm thankful for my sunflowers, bears, and seagulls who also understand the grace and beauty that only classical dance has. Congratulations Clytie Adams on 50 years of inspiration and nurturing through an amazing art form. Congratulations to the girls who have respected their teachers, took corrections, came to class, performed their hearts out, and been a Clytie Girl. I know it wasn't easy. But when you're onstage feeling those lights on your face, feeling like you're flying across the stage dancing to live music and showing your talent and love to so many people, you know it's more than worth it.

Sorry for all the pictures of me! I just love my costume!