Barbie World

Lyla danced in her first recital called Barbie's World.  It was held downtown at the Terry Theatre on the  River.  I was so nervous for Lyla and really didn't know what to expect.  What I did know was that whatever she did, she was going to look beautiful doing it because we had perfected her hair style (a low bun) and, her makeup and her Repunzal costume was beautiful.  I have to say that this recital had me a bit stressed.  This was our first year of dance and Lyla took from Nancy Dance which is a very well known dance studio in Jacksonville Beach.  This was their 28th recital, so they know their stuff and it was very organized.  So organized that they provided the moms with 10 pages of instructions to get us through the month leading up to the recital and the actual recital.  They had pictures, rehearsals, and finally the recital.  I'm not sure how many times I read that recital letter, but I can probably still quote some of the pages.  I also watched a You Tube video and learned some tricks to get her hair in the perfect bun.  Looking back I think we did pretty well.  Lyla was absolutely gorgeous and did great on stage.

April 19th was picture day!!  I was so nervous about putting her hair up in a bun for the first time and getting her makeup just right.  Lyla sat so still and let me get it all on her and she looked just beautiful! My only snafu was that the purple thing on her head was supposed to be wrapped around the bun.  I think I did it best though, doesn't it look really cute as a headband?  And please notice the purple bows on the shoes.  I had to sew them on and I do not sew.  They stayed on through it all!  Here is a quick picture before we left the house for pictures.

Here is the professional picture.  Out of four poses, three of them were really good.  I wanted to buy them all but I seriously have so many pictures of my Lyla already I wouldn't have anywhere to put them all.  Seriously, don't you like the purple thing on her hair in the picture above?

June 10th was recital day.  No pictures were allowed in the theatre during the recital so you don't disturb each other or the little dancers.  But here is a summary.  Lyla danced to two songs during the recital.  Her two numbers were Rapunzel "Wish Upon a Star" the ballet number.  The tap dance was A Fairy Secret to the song "Can You Keep a Secret?"  Because of her birthday party the day before and and the fact that there was no time for a nap before the recital I was worried about Lyla getting sleepy.  She danced so well during the recital, but Tommy and I laughed as she let out a huge yawn right on stage like she was in the comfort of her own living room.  I love how there is no stage fright or embarrassment at that age.  The audience was big and with all the lights, there was no way Lyla could see us, but that didn't stop her from waving and saying "Hey mom!"  I could read her lips and it was so cute and made me feel really special.

Lyla had to be at the theater 1 1/2 hours before the recital.  When I walked her into the theater they had an older dancer (I'm guessing 10) assigned to each of the little ones.  Here is Lyla sitting in her seat waiting for instructions.

My beautiful dancer!

After the recital!  We gave her pink carnations and Nancy Dance gave them a little pink phone with lip gloss inside.  

Afterwards we went outside and took some pictures of Lyla and her two friends, Anna Claire and Isabella.

I think this picture is perfect.  I love that they are all looking at the camera and giving sweet little smiles and its complete with Isabella holding the rose perfectly.  I must frame this one.  

I like this one because you can see Lyla's bun and how Isabella looks like she's smelling her rose.  

Proud parents.  I am one proud dance mom.

 Lyla with my parents 

 Lyla with Tommy's parents

 Tommy and I gave Lyla a bouquet with three cookies because she loves her sweets so much.  She wanted to eat one as soon as she saw them.

 It was about to pour down rain, but we squeezed in a group photo at the end.  

After the recital, we picked up Caroline, Aunt Kathryn, cousins Lexi and Max and went to Mojos for some barbecue.  I think it was a great day.  Next year if Lyla wants to do dance again, I will not be nearly as stressed..hopefully.