"Dancing queen..."

{Song clip - oh, you know you love this song!}

Week 50: Anything indoors

It was her first recital, so Maren and I arrived early to the theater.

She changed into her shoes as the other kids started to arrive.

And soon, the costumes were rolled out.

Backstage became a whirl of clothes and color and utter chaos.

Her bun got a makeover by a mom with serious skill and hairspray - two things I do not have!

Then, ballerina bun in place and costume back on, she sat down to wait with her friends.

But soon, she wandered off to admire the "big girls".

She stopped this one to tell her, "I like your tutu. It's really beautiful." And was completely starstruck when the lovely ballerina bent down to chat with her and a friend.

But, once the show started, she stayed right here - only moving once to take her own place on the stage! - to watch every dance move and clap loudly at the end of each performance.

I wish I had more to share with you but being only one of two backstage moms with 50+ kids - over half of them under 6! - didn't leave much time for taking photos! But, I'm happy to have captured some of the awe, excitement and wonder she experienced performing in and watching The Nutcracker for the first time.

Have you ever seen or performed in The Nutcracker? I'd love to hear your favorite memories of the show in the comments below!