Of Knights and Valour

And princesses in pink. Corwin and Clara had their ballet recital yesterday. As annoying as the chilly, below-seasonal weather has been, it was a blessing for recital day. For the past two years, it was makeup-melting hot. This year, since Corwin was wearing tights as part of his costume, cool temps were welcome!

Their class was doing a Princesses and Dragonslayers theme. The princesses were in pink, with Romantic-style pink tulle skirts (think Giselle, not Swan Lake), pink leotard, pink tights, and a silvery crown perched on their heads. The three boys in the class were all outfitted in black tights, Crusade-style tunics, knight hoods . . . and swords! Yes, the highlight for Corwin was the sword. Their teacher (who also happens to be the owner of the dance school) wisely kept the swords until the performance. Having two boys of her own, she knew that they faced destruction from overplay if the boys got their hands on their props before the show.

The kids had fun and Corwin didn't wipe out and take anyone with him this year (last year, he was distracted by some scenery at the back of the stage, and tripped, bringing the two kids behind him down as well. That's my son!!). Unfortunately, at the last minute they added helpers. This year, the dancers were supposed to be on stage alone, without older dancers as helpers. They were supposed to remember the choreography, as they had been practicing for a while. Well, some children weren't able to remember, so they added helpers on the day of the performance. That meant cutting some stuff, changing the choreography, and totally pissing off Corwin. He was adamant about not taking the older boy's hand, and he grumbled to me later "I knew my steps!". Lady B, Lola's daughter, was also disappointed, because it was confusing to have to relearn steps at the last minute. Clara didn't really mind. She knew her stuff, but she likes hanging out with the older dancers, and showing off to them. Besides, the girls who were helping had beautiful costumes, and for Clara, it's all about the fashion.

Some good news - Corwin hasn't declared his retirement this year!! For the past two years, right after the recital, Corwin has decided that he's retiring. Yet, in the fall when Clara shopped for new ballet slippers and headed off to class, he decided to go, too. We'll see what this September has in store. As for Clara, she's bound and determined that she's staying until she learns to dance en pointe, so we have a few more years at least. And she also wants to learn tap. Not to mention violin. My little artsy-kid!