* * *

Oh, my joyful girl.

I’m gonna let you in on a secret: Emma’s not really the greatest tap dancer. Of all the styles she so eagerly studies – ballet, Irish dancing, tap, modern, gymnastics – tap might be the one she shows the least aptitude for. No matter; I absolutely adore Emma in tap class. She’s joyful, excited, creative, and confident. She’s not the least bit self-conscious or timid in there. She hits the floor hard and shuffles with an overflow of exuberance. She doesn’t worry that she hasn’t mastered the steps yet, she just loves to dance. She loves to try. She smiles from start to finish, and she’s pure joy to watch.

And really, that’s why we save our pennies, dimes, and quarters to pay for all those dance lessons; because she loves it. It’s such a gift, being given opportunities to explore the things we love…you never know where they will lead you.

These pictures were taken on the same day that she fell headfirst down a hill on her scooter. She has dirty knees, bruised shins, and a big scratch above her lip, but she’s smiling. Smiling, laughing, and always dancing; that’s my Sweet Emma Magnolia at age 5.

* * *

[Eliza's got a couple more years before dance classes, but she's already working on her stretches and extension.]