Tiny Dancer

Me at dinner one night: "Little Bear, how did you get to be such a big girl?"LB: "Dance class."Me: "What?"LB: 'I big girl, dance class, get ollypop!"If you read our last post you'll know that Little Bear was enrolled in the summer ballet class! This is the first independent activity she has taken part in which is a huge deal! Previously, she had been stuck to me... like. glue. If I left the room, walked into the pantry or toward the door it caused an epic meltdown. It was as if she thought I'd be gone for.ev.er. Now, if Hubs and I had plans to go out and she stayed with family members, as long as she was with Bubba, she was fine. Once she was expected to hang out with a babysitter or family member on her own, cue the waterworks. It was difficult for all involved- so we decided we had to get her into something.Swimming? Nope, a parent must be presentGymnastics? Nope, must be 3-years-oldPre-School? Nope, didn't work for the family scheduleDance? Eh? Maybe? Can I do the dance thing?Library time? Parental involvement necessaryLittle Gym? Mom has to take class too.GAH!As dance seemed to be the only option and a new baby quickly approaching- it was off to get ballet shoes and figure out the double hair buns!This was an activity we started so that Little Bear could have something special of her own as well as to learn that after independent activities, Mommy would still be there.Class 1:We arrive, dressed, ready and seemingly unknowing about what is to come.Door opens, I walk her into the studio space and then, I'm stuck. My first fatal error was walking IN to the dance space. The waiting room would have been fine, but I had to walk her IN to the class... big mistake. She wouldn't let me leave. She would pseudo participate in class but would repeatedly check to ensure that I was still just an arm's length away. THIS is not how Mommy planned this adventure...After class I asked the teacher what she would prefer I do. She stated that sometimes they cry, but having Little Bear go in on her own was the best thing to do. I heard it with my own ears. Crying was okay and sometimes expected. She even had a student who cried each class until the last three.Challenge accepted. You asked for it, lady.Class 2: We arrive as we did the week before, early as usual and await class time.When it comes time to enter the dance space... she refuses to enter without me. Cue the tears. She starts to cry, I put her on the dance floor and slowly back out. Then comes the wailing. And the screaming. Yes, my heart was breaking, but she was safe. She cried for 27 minutes. The class was 30 minutes long. Standing in the corner of the classroom, BUT the other little girls took turns coming over to hug and console her.Little did I realize this was a combined 2-year-old and 3-year-old class. Little Bear is on the younger side at just over 2 years old. Startin' her early, over here. At the end of class, they each get a lollipop. She came out of class with a butterscotch lollipop- ew- honestly, I would have done the same with the way she was carrying on... (Yes, I know the teacher just grabbed and handed, but it would be karma-like for her to get the brown lolly for her poopy attitude during class...)Class 3: Little Bear starts protesting before we leave the house.She fights to put on her dance attire and getting into the car. We arrive, less early to minimize the anxiety pre-class. She walks in ON HER OWN and promptly starts crying as soon as the door shuts. BUT she locked on to the assistant teacher who held her hand through the majority of the class. Did she participate? Not really. Did she cry for the entire class? No! Only 12 of the 30 minutes! Survived class, got a red lolly.I will add here that each time Little Bear is asked to do something, or thinks about anything in general, her response during this time is:"Big girl, no cry dance class, get ollypop!"Whatever works, kiddo!Class 4: Little Bear cries through the dance attire dressing as well as the 10 minute ride to class.We arrive at class, 2 minutes early as is the new routine. She walks directly into class, no tears, and latches on to the assistant teacher. She participates minimally but does not cry! Survives class gets a pink lolly. Onward and upward!Class 5: No tears when getting ready.Arrive at class 2 minutes early. Remind Mommy that the ollypop is for her, not Mommy.Walks into class. PARTICIPATES generally. GETS A BLUE LOLLY!Class 6: A repeat of class 5.Actually does several of the dances WITH the teacher!Mommy is flabbergasted and happy. Lolly achieved.Overall, the class was a great investment of our time as well as in our daughter. Little Bear learned a great deal during those short classes. So much so, that we've signed her up for the entire school year. That means there will be a recital. With a costume. I. can't. even.So, Little Bear was right. How did she get to be such a big girl? Dance class.Be Great,M