Our beautiful daughter began her life as a dancer at age 3. As she grew up in the dance word she looked up to the "big girls" who danced on their "tippy toes" and dreamed of the day she would be one of the "big girls." Who knew it would come (and go) so soon?
When Liv dances she says the world disappears and it's just her and the music. When I watch Liv dance the world disappears and she is the only one on stage, even in a sea of dancers. As I watch Liv jump, tilt and turn all I remember is that little girl in her pink leo from Target dreaming of being a big girl and I feel the passionate dancer she has become. I watch her move across the stage and beam with pride and cry with joy. What a beautiful dancer.
Dance has taught Liv to live her life loud and to face difficult times with determination, even when it seems the world is against her. Liv has shown her dance peers, instructors and her family that when you really want something you get it with hard work and grit. Any goal worth reaching for doesn't come easily.
Now that Liv's dance life (as she knows it now) is winding down I wonder what she will do without dance in her life. She doesn't have any formal plans to study dance at the college level. I do stand strong in knowing whatever Liv chooses for her next phase of life the lessons she learned through dance will carry her through.
So in June, when I watch my beautiful dancer perform for the final time, I will shed a tear (OK, lots of them) and rejoice in the lessons that will out live out in the person she will forever be, a strong and determined human being.
Break-a-leg baby girl!
I believe culture, our art, music, dance, and literature, is at the heart of what makes us human. I will never regret the money I have spent giving my children music and dance lessons. No doubt they are richer for it, as is your daughter,no matter where they end up in life. I wish her luck!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, when I read the line, "So in June, when I watch my beautiful dancer perform for the final time, I will shed a tear", I started to tear up. I can only imagine the pride you feel when you watch this lovely young lady move across the stage. (I know how it is when I watch my boys on their stage.) What a blessing to know that dance has given her more gifts than just a fit, limber, and graceful body. Way to go Liv!
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful piece about your amazing girl. It is easy to feel the love of dance shared by you and your daughter. I loved these lines: "When Liv dances she says the world disappears and it's just her and the music. When I watch Liv dance the world disappears and she is the only one on stage, even in a sea of dancers." Your lines seemed to "dance" between you and Liv. While I know dance has taught Liv much, it has also given you both many treasures memories.
Cathy
What a beautiful post about your daughter.
ReplyDelete