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All the World's a Stage - William Shakespeare


There is something magical about the theater.  The lights, beautiful stage design and props, the costumes all paint an enchanting background for the elegant dancing, and electric music.  I truly love it all.  I can’t tell you a time where I’ve gone to a performance and didn’t get goosebumps or a tear in my eye at some point.  It is an escape for the everyday where for a few hours you can get wrapped up in something whimsical and truly sensational. 

I can’t remember my first live performance, but I can remember the first show that gave me the love.  I was fortunate enough to be a tag along on my aunt and uncle’s vacation to Europe when I was 14.  We spent some time in London and while we were there, we got to see the theatrical version of Beauty and the Beast.  Of course, the story and music were all very familiar from the Disney movie version, but seeing it live brought a whole new level of appreciation.  Since then, I haven’t been able to get enough. 

A common theme with all moms is a desire for your children to have all the best things you had in your childhood, plus more.  We all hope that the things that we love, our children will love as well,  so we can share that bond and passion.  Of course, we don’t want little mini-me clones walking around and love to see their unique personalities shine through.  But, there is that wish of commonality as well.  This desire drove me to start Zoe in dance at a young age.  I want to relive those beautiful memories through her eyes.  So, what better first live performance than a ballet, to share with my sweet dancer. 

We kicked off the Christmas weekend by getting all dolled up for the Next Generation Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker.  (Let’s be honest, getting dressed up is one of the great perks of going to the theater.) 

I knew that if I was going to keep my 4-year-old engaged, they would need to be good seats to I planned months in advance to make sure she could feel all the energy.  The plan worked.  Our seats were fantastic, and Zoe’s jaw stayed glued to the floor for the first half of the performance. 
Of course, like any other preschooler, there is a short attention span. Intermission was peppered with requests of snacks, treats and toys.  Fortunately, when the second half began, that is when the fun really started.  Zoe loved all the colorful costumes and was amazed by the scene with the dancing cheetahs.  (They just so happen to be her favorite animal so that didn’t hurt.) 
You might be wondering, did I instill the same passion for theater and dance in Zoe that I have?  Will this young girl remember her first ballet?  Only time will tell.  But no matter what the future holds for our mother/daughter bonding and shared interest, for now, I can say it is nothing but magical. 



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