Layla Ballerina

Well this weekend was Layla's big recital. She has been so excited about this. She got to put lots of makeup on, get her hair done, and even wear the prettiest ballet costume. If you know Layla, you know she is a "ham". When we go to Barnes N Nobles, she always dances and sings for everyone on the kiddie stage. So we weren't worried about stage fright. But during the first five minutes of rehearsal she freaked out. It was a very stressful day. So we talked and talked and Layla seemed open to going on stage for the big day. I took her early and we played on the stage so she could get use to it. She loved it. And when the show began, she kept on asking when did she get to go on stage. I was surprised and optimistic she was going to do this. But as the lights went down and her class when on.... the tears came, and came, and came. The next routine she did, a literally walked on stage with her holding her hand, but when it was time to let go.... the tears came on. I will have you know out of the 50+ girls, layla was the only one that cried and did not perform. It was heartbreaking. As a mom, all you want is for your little girl to look beautiful and have fun. We figured out that she does not have stage fright, nor separation anxiety, but rather she's afraid of the dark. DUR! Who isn't? They turn off the lights to place the kids on stage, but the kids can't see their families, their teachers, not even the girl next to you. Alone in a big dark place that you don't know, well I'd cry too. But, she did have fun.... here is the few snap shots I did get. (No cameras or video cameras were allowed)