Dance recital

I used to think dance recitals, with their over-the-top costumes and glammed-up little girls, were a waste of energy. Their very nature seemed contrary to my feminist ideals. I loathed the idea of any daughter of mine participating in one, and even vowed to find a dance studio that didn't do them if one of my girls insisted on dancing.

And then I gave birth to a princess. I relaxed a little, and decided I could tolerate a full-scale recital. And now, after our second year of this, I LOVE them. Why? Because I get to see my shy daughter walk onto a stage with confidence and perform for hundreds of people. Because I know how young she is and how hard it is to concentrate and learn dance steps. Because I know how good she feels doing it. And because it's just plain fun to get lost in girl-land sometimes.

So here are a few pictures from the big night. Ava danced to the song "I Enjoy Being a Girl", which was just perfect for her. So here's my little darling posing as only she does:

A shot of her on the left, during the performance:

Walking onstage for the grand finale:
After her big performance, with a bouquet of roses from Daddy.

Great job, Ava!