Let's Dance

This past weekend, Eliana had her first Competition Showcase, which was a much needed trial run for the competitions that begin next month.  While I was pretty confident in her abilities up on that stage, I was like a deer in headlights.  Considering I spent my entire childhood dancing, this learning curve has come as quite the surprise.  Here's what I didn't know I didn't know:

1. Applying ruby red lipstick on a 4-year-old is nearly impossible. Why am I having so much trouble getting the lipstick on her actual lips?!?!  It took me three tries before we were anywhere near an acceptable application.

2. Clip on earrings will fall off while changing costumes and send you into a panic.  Crawling on the floor, lifting up shoes and jackets and tutus surely teaches you to buy an extra pair. Immediately.

3. Three: the number of pairs of tights I had to go through before we found one that didn't have a run or hole. Why do all your new tights have holes in them?!?!?  I suppose we'll be buying extra-extra tights along with those clip-on earrings.

4. Dance bags that morph into garment racks are really amazing. So are our friends who made room on theirs so Eliana could hang up her costumes.  Which leads me to #5:

5.  We're really thankful to be part of a studio with parents who have gone out of their way to answer our questions, share their experiences and guide us along the way!  I will proudly wear the title of Dance Mom, if that's what being a dance mom means.

While I'm taking a minute to acknowledge how thankful I am for our support system, I have to give a shout-out to Mate for agreeing to this craziness a few years earlier than anticipated.   Also, thanks to Mia and Ava for having different interests and passions because I don't know how moms with multiple dancers keep it together!