When my daughter was three she announced (with much conviction) that she wanted to take ballet classes. She had been singing and dancing her way through her days since she was old enough to talk and walk, and she wanted to be a ballerina.
She is just like her mama. I started taking dance classes at age three with my two best friends. For the next 11 years we carpooled every week to and from the dance studio. Buns, tights and ballet shoes were a way of life. And nothing was more important than the annual dance recital.
Each year as I watched the “big girls” perform their solos, I was certain that would be me one day. I loved dance, and I treasure the memories of my dancing days. Alas, I was not to be a prodigy dancer and by the time I got to high school, I left my ballet shoes behind. Of course the training served me well in my new endeavors of cheerleading and theater, but it has been a long time since I pulled on a pair of ballet slippers.
And yet, each week when I drive my daughter to dance class I can’t help but to smile and think of my days in tights.
I have often told K about when mommy was a ballerina. And when I got back my DVDs from YesVideo and discovered a dance recital I was finally able to share my dancing days with her. She was so excited to see me as a ballerina. Of course, Dad was sitting in the back of the theater with an ’80s camcorder, so it is hard to see faces. But to me, I am unmistakable. And to K, I am the best in the class.
In case you want to see me, in all of my glory. You can see my 1989 ballet recital below. (I am just stage left of the little boy, then I move to stage right of him.) FYI – unless you are my mom, you probably don’t want to watch the full 4:39 video, but at 30 seconds in you a nice shot of me.
Check out more of my YesVideo memories:
Reliving my moments as a ballerina was made possible by transferring old 8 mm tapes to digital and DVD with YesVideo. If you have video footage locked away on an old format, do something about it. Relive your memories (and possible photo opps) with YesVideo.
Shanna says
That is beautiful!!! You must be so proud!!! I never participated in anything when I was younger – I cannot WAIT until my twin daughters are 18 months so they can start dance ; They both LOVE to dance !! My mom would love YesVideo – Going to send her the link!
Evelyn Chuter says
I just love watching that. I was a young dancer myself and I took ballet too. It was not my favorite, I loved tap and jazz. I enjoyed that and I watch the whole thing.
jen says
You are so cute for watching the whole thing 🙂
Richelle Leffler says
that is so cute and awesome your daughters likes it also would love to get my daughter into it she loves dancing but she is also tomboyish at the same time so not sure if she would commit to it but looks like a lot of fun always loved ballet 🙂
Vennie M. says
This photo reminds me of the little sister when she was dance. The little ballerina here is adorable! Thanks for sharing.
June S. says
I think this type of dance is really good for a child, helps to keep them very busy and out of trouble too.
Matt Stringham says
we are wanting to get our daughter into Ballet soon. We cant wait!
Laura J says
OH so precious!!!! I would love to transfer some of our old ones to DVD. That is so neat that you can do that! What a great way to preserve our memories!
Danielle Porter says
That’s so cool that you got them transfered to DVDs. I have some old videos (VHS) of me doing gymnastics as a kid that I would love to have saved on a DVD!
Lesley F says
Cute video and beautiful customs that they have on. Loved watching the video
keely hostetter says
So fun, I never did anything like this but my daughter would love it.
Kay M. says
Dance was too frilly for me! I spent my time in a tree in our yard, with a book! Yes, I was the proverbial nerd, except my grades were not so extravagant! LOL! You were wonderful though, by the way, and your daughter is adorable!
Tracie Trump says
What a beautiful performance. I love my ballet classes as a child!
Helga says
What a cute photo. Its great for girls to take dance classes.
Angela P. says
what a sweet story. how wonderful that you can share your memories of dance now with your daughter. i want to sign my daughter up for dance. she’s 5 now.. and i think she might be ready.
Laurie Nykaza says
We took classes when we were young and it was so much fun doing it with the other children. A great time and getting good exercise too.
Birdiebee says
Ah, so beautiful in her tutu. My granddaughter’s are in gymnastics at the present time.
sarah jerome says
aw very beautiful.. loved the video.. awesome job…
sky evans says
This is so cute! I’d love to dance.
Gianna says
How cute!
Real Posh Mom says
I love this! I once was one, too. 🙂 Now my daughter carries on the legacy!