Can I get a 5,6,7,8......

Last night as I was flipping through Instagram I saw the cutest little post about THE actual dream team our children create. They don’t think about it and plan, it’s intuitive to who they are and the bonds they create at a young age- they simply love and support. I started thinking about this in my own life, specifically in the day to day life of my children and their world. Just like us, with out mom villages- our networks of support, they have their pint size village, too. I laugh at this next comment, I never imagined myself a dance mom, alá Abby Lee, but alas, here I am. I often find myself on the floor recording at some point of the 6 hours of dance a week, never mind the pep talks or 5 am hair and make up calls for her to be ready for the 3 mins on stage. Or better yet, listening to Tchaikovsky on loop as she recreates her loving room scenes from her favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. Truthfully, our whole family has fallen into a very nice rhythm (ha!) of an enthusiastic Dance Family. But what I did not expect to find or experience beyond the glitter, hairspray and 8 counts, was a a bond of sheer unwavering support and love. And these girls have it. It’s an unsaid understanding, a genuine empathetic and sympathetic bond that radiates from the studio to daily life. They feel all the emotions their friends have and seek to comfort them with concern and love. Often they know the magic recipe to soothe any ailment. Yesterday a little dancer bopped her head prior to class and was immediately swooped up by another mom. Her teammates rallied around her and allowed her to ease in, teary eyed but knowing she was safe, loved and part of a group. 1.5 hrs later it was my little one who came out, holding back tears. Ever the perfectionist, she held her head high and completed the corrected run through multiple times until it was right. As she fell into my arms she began sobbing and explained she was frustrated and embarrassed that she made a mistake. A little teammate put her hand on Alessandra’s arm as she was nuzzled in and leaned over to get closer to her face, asking if she was ok. Eye to eye she silently nodded and I honestly felt her relief as her little body relaxed. In that moment she was reminded she was completely surrounded by people who want her to succeed and be happy. Not just her mom. Of course when I sat down at night I was able to process what a gift this team has been. From the routine dance days to when she could barely walk to the scariest of days when she did not realize where she was mid dance. It’s been a journey for sure, but they have loved her and supported her in every way. And friendship was a huge part of her recovery. Her teammates have created a safety net of fun, love, energy and understanding for one another. When one falls, they pull her up. So yes, as I laugh about Abby Lee and her lovable made for tv drama, the joke is on people who think dance life is just glitter and faux lashes. For us, it’s about a an undeniable bond of little dancers with the biggest of hearts. ❤️