It's a BeAuTiFuL DaY....

for the Elementary school DaNcE FeStIvAl!  Today I enjoyed the most fantastic Dance Festival ever, and came to the realization that I am somewhat of a PrInCeSs.  It all started when my dear, sweet, saintly friend Alisa called last night.  She told me she was waking up at the crack of dawn to place blankets and would I like to set one out on the porch for her to take with her.  Of course I jumped all over that.  So, I would like to extend a very special thank you to her because she is the best.  I mean the thought crossed my mind about waking up early, but then I realized that was just crazy talk and I slapped myself.  Alisa found the most strategic spots and I enjoyed front row seats to Jake's dancing debut.  And the dancing was splendid I tell you, simply splendid.  Here are some pics of the dancers:

Taylor started us out with the fifth grade rendition of "Rockin' Robin" and "America Rocks."  She was quite far back in the line so I was not able to record her performance as well as I would have liked.  And she looked cute too.  Her hair was done and she was actually wearing an accessory.  That is not something that happens everyday so I wanted to document it.  She was also a bit stressed out about rolling her pants and cuffing her socks so I wanted to make sure she didn't undo them in an act of rebellion.  I decided that since I wasn't getting good footage I would just watch her without the lens in the way.  This is when I discovered something very disturbing.  Her partner, who is a butt, was not dancing with her.  The big jerk.  She tried to dance around his "issue" but was having a struggle.  My heart was breaking for her.  She did great though, and I spent the time after her dance regretting the fact that the footage wasn't going to be great.

Jake was next and I had front row for him.  He told me this morning that I "would be smiling my guts out" and he was right.  He danced to "Long, Tall Texan" and "Elvira," which is the same song I danced to in elementary school.  He also told me he was the best dancer in his whole grade and he did not disappoint.  He is not, however, the best skipper, which is precisely the reason my friend lent me her video camera - so I could record his skipping.  It is a sight.  Apparently he looks just like his dad did at his age, and also how he looks now.  It is like a hopping dry heave.  That's the best way I can describe it.  It doesn't come anywhere near an actual skip.

Torey brought up the rear of the festival.  She is as cute as a button and grinned at me the whole time.  Her "funny buns" were the perfect way to spot her in a sea of kids. She, in an effort to work with me, placed herself strategically for optimal video recording.  The third grade entertained us with the "Grand March" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie."  She also had to dance with a boy and she did great.  She is a great dancer and fun to watch.

And now I will tell you precisely why I am a princess.  There are three reasons, two of which we have previously discussed.  First, the laying of the blanket.  Second, the borrowing of a video camera.  And the third reason requires an explanation.  Because Taylor was not recorded well I went over to talk to her and record her sweet face.  I ran into her teacher and asked her if I could record her and another boy doing some moves because of her jerky partner and because I couldn't see her well.  The teacher, who was also disappointed in her partner and wanted to teach him a lesson, rounded up eighteen kids and we re-staged the dance.  After the festival was over we lined them up, played the music, and had our own special showing of the dance - just for me to record.  I was so grateful to the teacher and the kids for doing that for me, and blown away that they would offer.  It gives me hope to know that our next generation is so kind and willing to help.  They will all be receiving candy bars for their generosity.  Because of their willingness to dance, again, Reed will actually be able to see her dance.  Thank you select children of the fifth grade.  I will be forever grateful to you.