Ellie-Kate had been a grudging dancer for the entire year, but she had generally been a trooper about going to rehearsals and trying on costumes. However, when we arrived for tech rehearsal, we went into the bathroom to change into her outfit, and she started to cry. I had told her that she wasn't performing today, just practicing. Yet, she observed all of the parents in the auditorium, and she became quite confused about expectations for the day. She didn't want to get on stage, and I pressed her about why. "I don't want for people to watch me," she said. "Why?" I asked. "You don't mind when people watch as you play basketball." She looked at me and replied, "But I'm good at basketball!" I reassured her, and she agreed to get on stage. In vintage Ellie-Kate form, she got up on stage, danced, smiled, and enjoyed herself. Very proud of my little girl as she pushed her comfort zone and thrived! Can't believe that, four years ago, I brought her to Stuart's Opera House, and we watched as Chelsea and Emmy danced. On that day, people noted that Ellie-Kate would be up on stage as a baby tapper before I knew it. They were right!
