Boys Dance Too

I've blogged before about how much I loathed ballet as a kid.  I like watching the ballet, though, and enjoy seeing others practice and perform all types of dance.  I just wasn't much of a dancer myself - much preferring to ride horses over all other sports and hobbies.  Imagine my surprise when Cort started begging for dance lessons.  And begging.  He was relentless.  So I did a little research and he started a ballet/tap combination class this spring.

 The first part of the class is some stretching, followed by ballet.  Cort is the only boy.  He doesn't mind at all.  He has learned that in ballet, boys have to be the gentleman and let the girls go first.  But the boys get to do more leaping, and they always wear black shoes.  After ballet, the tap shoes come on.

They have been practicing a routine for the big Spring recital.  It's a cute dance set to a very modern and upbeat version of "If You're Happy and You Know It".

Indeed, there is some jumping in the routine.  And some sliding.  And lots of tapping with those clickety clack shoes.

There might even be....jazz hands.

Every single morning since Cort started lessons, he wakes up and says, "Is tonight dance?"

If I say no, he says "awwwwwwww" in a sad voice.

Maybe part of it is that his instructor is so fun.  She teaches rhythm using tambourines and drumsticks.  And sometimes, even a parachute!

Cort's favorite part of the lesson is a dance they do to the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".  In the end, they snuggle with a stuffed friend.

I don't know how long Cort will want to dance.

But for now, at least, I think we can safely say that he's found something he loves.

Something that is teaching him discipline, respect, coordination and rhythm.

Not to mention how to have a whole lot of fun.

That's right folks.

Boys can dance too.