ballerinas [mini film]

everly's first dance recital was a bit of a learning curve for me, but I think we managed things just fine.  because ev dances two days a week, this meant two different dance numbers in her first recital.  she handled everything like a pro, including the quick change behind the curtains back stage.  I really wasn't sure how our semi-shy around strangers girl was going to do when those lights hit her face, but she loved every minute of it!  and for some reason, and I don't really think it has to do with the makeup, but maybe, she looks about twelve in this photo to me.

the studio she dances with allows photography and video during dress rehearsal, but not during the actual performance.  even though everyone didn't necessarily abide by this policy, I loved how I could just be in the moment on the big day.  these photos are from the dress rehearsal - a night that went extremely fast.  two dances practiced on stage and photos with both classes and out within an hour - impressive!

I loved the photos props they had up for the rehearsal night.  we opted just to get a group photo done professionally and everly and I still have on the calendar a day to run around in midtown to take some photos of her in her costumes.  

^and while filming, I managed to sneak in one photo on stage^

here's a peek into our first recital moments - mostly from dress rehearsal and a few moments from the big day!

songs:

"rainbow" - Leap! Soundtrack

"when you say nothing at all" - Alison Krauss & Union Station

first recital

this past weekend we had everly's first dance recital.  something as simple as a little kid's dance recital can just seem pretty monumental in the moment.  she was just so excited about it all.  especially the makeup.  really, all. the. makeup.  I love how her dance studio leaves it up to the parents if they want to have their child in stage makeup.  but of course, we aren't overly prudish about things like that, so makeup it was.  I let everly put on makeup when she asks, pretty much as long as it can't be seen, and she thinks she's wearing a bit, we are good.  my clear mascara and chapstick are her favorite go-to's.  I love how something I hated so much when dancing as a kid is one of her favorite things.  oh, and it turns out, glossier makeup is perfect for a little one in a performance - clearly wearing makeup, but not too much, and so easy to apply!

I remember when I was a bit older and dancing jazz, our costumes were, well, how can I put this nicely, awful.  like I left the sport for another sport kind of awful.  I always remember admiring the gorgeous tutus of the ballerinas as they ran past me back stage.  and I was stuck in a neon blue full lycra body suit.  when we got everly's first costume, I was so happy for her.  it was exactly what she thought a ballet recital costume should be.  pink.  tutu.  sparkles.  beautiful. because she dances twice a week, she actually got to have two costumes, which of course meant twice the fun.  I loved how one was extremely classic ballet, and the other costume was much more playful.

the topic of the recital has been something that everly has brought up for months now.  talking about the big stage, and the lights, and the audience.  I really didn't know what to expect when it was her turn to go.  she's shy around people she doesn't know.  and even though she can dance like she's in the chorus of the greatest showmen at home, I wasn't sure about in public.




well, she danced her little heart out, and loved it.  I asked her how she felt afterwards, and she exclaimed, "great!"  she's already excited for their next recital in december, the nutcracker. 

thanks to our families who made this day extra special for everly!

excited to put together a little mini-film from the day!