Mommy Diaries
Virtual Dance Recitals
Nutcracker Dreams
Many little girls fantasize about becoming beautiful ballerinas in pink tutus, perfect little buns, and a lead spot in the Nutcracker. Parents are delusional...I mean, optimistic that this dream will become a reality, even as their daughter’s trip over their own feet walking to the kitchen. When I signed my girls up for ballet, I envisioned watching a joyous display of grace and elegance from the audience; my perfect ballerinas twirling in their glittery costumes!
The Honeymoon Phase
My vision was on the right track to becoming a reality. They had an amazing ballet teacher and enjoyed seeing their friends in class each week. There was no whining or complaining, costumes were ordered, and recital dates were on the calendar. My prima ballerinas were learning their routines and I was contemplating when to sign them up for Nutcracker auditions.
Covid 19, the ultimate monkey wrench!
Suddenly, it all hits the fan. My dining room transforms into a dance studio and I’m bribing my 3 year old with gummy bears and cookies in return for 30% participation. Once the girls are finished with rehearsal (and fighting, crying, and tearing the house apart), I’m ready to plié my way to the nearest bar. It’s only 11:00am.
Their teacher is a saint and handles the insanity like it’s a treat. She’s every mother’s idol (but no doubt drinking well before 5pm also). The girls are now preparing for a virtual ballet recital and spirits are crashing. The Nutcracker dreams are fading and costumes are in the weekly clothing rotation. How did dance become the new math?
The Show Must Go ON
June arrives and recital day is here. We’ve practiced a lot (by we, I mean the parents!) and the kids are as ready as they’ll ever be. My dining room no longer resembles a room anyone could eat in. Tights are missing, buns are falling out, toys are making their way to the “dance floor”. My 3 year old has no patience left and we haven’t even been let into the virtual room yet! We wait. And wait. And wait.
Virtual Dance Moms
This pattern continues for roughly 2 hours. Their teacher is somehow showing zero signs of frustration or anger while dealing with confused parents, faulty equipment, frozen screens and multiple meltdowns from her students. I’ve now done their dance routines on the side lines dozens of times; toggling between praises, threats and bribes. I’ve become a crazy dance mom. I know I’m not alone. I’m seeing the flailing arms of other crazy dance moms in the background (you know who you are!).
Take a bow
Magically the girls perfect their routine, and I’m cheering, clapping, and hugging my perfect little ballerinas because they did it. They performed in their first recital and I’m so proud of them. All of the stress and chaos was worth it!
