Reality or fantasy - which one wins?
It was one of those few moments in life when the reality was better than the fantasy. Yesterday the girls started their ballet classes. I was so nervous about arriving late we were there an hour and a half before the beginning. We wandered around for a while and then went to the school.
It is called the Skouratoff Studio and is in a small back-street in a part of Montpellier you have never heard of and wouldn’t really want to visit. It has two studios, one that looks out on the street. It was here I witnessed the obsession begin. Olivia and Bea stood totally transfixed watching a class of teenagers dance. It was a magical moment. I almost wept with joy.
Then it was their turn. They looked divine in their little pink tutus, hair up in a bun and ballet shoes. I wasn’t allowed to stay and watch but they came out beaming, telling me they wanted to join the more advanced class. Since coming home they have talked about nothing else and done practically nothing else. As I write they are leaping around upstairs. Bea incidentally is a very good jumper according to the teacher. I have to say the transformation in Olivia after just one lesson is astounding. She now looks like a ballerina.
As for me, well I did ask about the adult courses and there are lots of them, for all levels. I am sorely tempted but Rupert warns me that Zelda Fitzgerald tried to become a ballet dancer just before she went mad.
Maybe I’d better stick to watching the girls. In my case the fantasy is probably better than the reality.
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2008
20 Jan 2008 helena
I think it would be safer to stick with tennis Helena. Rupert may have a point. Hej hej.
Helena
Bea and Olivia look like angels. I am so glad that they are enjoying the dancing experience. Even if they do not become prima ballerinas, they will always treasure these lessons. I agree that Olivia looks more like a young woman than a child in this picture. She is quite blooming and serene. A doctor once told me that ballet exercises were as good or better than army basic training exercises. For those who are trying to stay in shape it is a more pleasant way to do so than sit ups. I say go for it!
Thanks Sharyn, I am going to go for it, but behind closed doors, in the safety of our home where the men in white coats can’t find me!
Hx
When it’s raining and I can’t go for my run I sneak down to our home gym and sometimes at around 9.30am they have on channel 197 (Living 1 I think), The New York Ballet work-out. It is the antithesis of those tightly smiling, muscle-clad frightening women bouncing around on a platform on a beach. Julesritter.com
Beautiful girls and they look so happy in their little tutu’s. I can imagine your pride.
Gorgeous girlies. I did adult ballet (beginners) a few years ago when my daughter was in her class and I have to say I was very toned because of it. It’s hard work and sometimes boring, but my those buns!!