R is for Rehearsal and Recital

June 2012 Dance Recital

I am so proud of Alyssa's accomplishments this year! One of her accomplishments was to perform their dance routine on stage.  

Rehearsal night caused us a little scare.  The size of the stage and auditorium was quite different from the class location.  Alyssa was very intimidated on rehearsal night. She wrapped her long legs tightly around my waist as I attempted to lift her up onto the stage.  Her eyes began to tear up and she refused to let go.  I felt horrible and wanted her to know that she didn't have to perform if that was her choice. Although, I did remind her that her classmates depended on her participation and let her know that God would be with her at all times.   

Thankfully, she quickly overcame her fear and had big dreams ... huge dreams of being a professional dancer.  I am not sure what they said to her behind the curtains or if it was what I said.  But, I am happy to say that she skipped out with a smile ... ready to show us her best rehearsal performance ever!  

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand ... For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:10, 13 

Here are some before and after shots on performance night.  Unfortunately, the photos are not very good.  I was informed upon arrival that I could not use a flash and my camera has a build-in flash.  I am thankful that Alyssa's class performed toward the end of the show.  I sat in the dark trying to figure out how to manually take the photos without flash.  I have been using automatic creative features for years and forgot how to shoot manually. This is what I managed to capture that night. 

Before the Show

Performance Night

Adorable glow-in the-dark costumes!

Alyssa and Summer - her best friend.

Bowing to the audience.

Mrs. Farah, the dance instructor, escorting the girls off the stage.

After Shots

Alyssa with Summer's older sister.  She adores Sydney.

A generous and kind woman overheard our conversation about forgetting to buy flowers.  She pulled a rose from her dozen and gave it to us so that we could surprise Alyssa.  THANK YOU!

Alyssa acting goofy - LOVE IT!  This is my favorite photo!!! 

This post will be linked up at ABC Blogging Through the Alphabet, Moments to Remember, Musings From a Stay At Home Mom, and Wordless Wednesday.  To read about a variety of topics posted at these link ups, click on the links above.