Tale of Two Dance Classes

This afternoon we took Penny to dance class at the clogging dance company on the square. I know, I know -- clogging?? Well, they have a big storefront and just got back from participating in the Macy's parade, and Tray stopped in the other day while downtown. Turns out they have a toddler class, and it isn't very expensive so we decided to check it out. They wouldn't let us stay in the room with Penny, but we could watch her through the window. I think she was pretty put off by that, though she did what the nice instructor told her to for the most part. Until she decided to come and hang on the window and beg us to come get her. So we did. I tried to encourage her to go back in there when the structured part of dance class ended and they were freestyling it, but even though she agreed, once we got in there the sound of the music and the loud tap shoes just proved too much for her.

So, we went and got ice cream on the square - even though it is 30 some-odd degrees outside. What can I say, the girl loves ice cream. So do I, so I can't complain.

After ice cream, I pointed out the other dance company on the square. They'd always been dark when we passed by, but as I pointed it out today we could see students inside, so we decided to pop in there and ask if they had any classes for two year olds. They do, and in fact it was going on right then. We got to go back and sit in on it with her. Their class is the more traditional tap/ballet/gymnastics combo that I did growing up. Penny rolled down the mat with the instructor's help. She sat on the bench with the other children and ran over to breathlessly report every time one of them spoke to her (even though I don't think she talked back). In short, she had a blast. Of course, now we have to buy leotards, and tights, and tap shoes, and ballet shoes. But, man, she had fun. I can't wait to take her back next week. I'm not sure if she'll like it as much next time though when we aren't in the room with her - and there it is all curtained off so I won't even be able to see. I'm nervous that she'll cry, or not pay attention and not sit when told to or what have you. Thus, I don't think we'll sink too much money into all the props until we see how it goes.