My nine-year-old daughter, Hannah, loves to dance. She’s been in tap and jazz for four years now. And I must say she’s a natural. I have two left feet, so it’s great to watch her move with rhythm. Maybe she got her talent from her dad. His moves in the nightclubs caught my eye and then some when we were dating in our twenties.
So anyway, last night Hannah had to study for a history test. And she hates history. I tell her not to hate but she still hates history. So she sang and danced through the history vocabulary words. I sat smiling and wondering if she was even memorizing anything. She was wiggling all over the place, hands in the air, head tipped back, hair swirling, voice loud. What a joy it was to see a child so passionate. By adding her own style of dance and song, Hannah studied for history.
Wow, what a lesson for me. I’m challenged to live with passion when I’m confronted with the things I don’t like–like cleaning toilets and grocery shopping. Wonder what my style would be? Singing–maybe.
What’s yours?
Hannah and Nicole (my own drama daughter) sound like they’d get along great!
Hey, your post reminds me of the movie, “Akeelah and the Bee.” GREAT MOVIE. My whole family loved it. Rent it if you haven’t seen it. The reason it applies is because the little girl in the movie finds that she needs to use movement (jumping rope, etc.) to help her learn to spell the words. It was fascinating and helped me to understand my own dancing-daughter.
Kudos to Hannah! At least she is working on her history. A very creative little one.
Aimee, my grandaughter is the same way. She is now in cheerleading, about three weeks behind, but catching up fast. She loves the movement and rhythm and it shows up now in the rest of her life, like school. She has a creative outlet and I think it is so important for people now with so much computer and TV activities. I agree with Rachelle, the movie is great and I hope that everyone who reads this will take a look at it.It is very positive for people. Also, shows, hard work pays off.
Love, Paulette
I think it is awesome that you encouraged her to “dance”…which I had the courage to dance or sing when I am tackling things I “HATE”…wink.
duh – my comment should say “WISH” not “which” – oh well, maybe I should dance and sing more.
Hey Tiffany — I think it is going to be time for lunch or coffee soon!