A Spin through Dance Class

I brought my camera to Daisy's dance class to document what is probably my favorite hour of the week.

Kathrin runs a ballet school for all ages, and she leads this "Mami & Ich" class with her son in pink ballet shoes, Jonathan. Because this is also a German name, it's pronounced "Yona-tan." Kathrin's expressive mannerisms put to rest any stereotypes about German coldness. Daisy and I both adore her. As a side note, you can see her wedding ring on her right hand, which is the European tradition.

Kathrin and Jonathan

Her studio is in a quiet, wooded neighborhood just up our hill. With all the windows and the white surfaces, it's a really peaceful space. The names of the other kids in her class are: Lucas, Frederike, Henriette (absent this class day), and Mia.

Kathrin plays a delightful soundtrack of ballet and classical themes and uses various props to explore different movements. Because I want to show how fast-paced the hour is, I'm including a million pictures in this post. Also because I like playing with Picnik's effects? Maybe...

"Little Mouse and Big Bear" dance

Daisy coos along with the flute melody in this flowing song

These "ribbon dancer" sticks are always a hit

Feathers

Balancing a star on her head

Star trail

Spontaneous rolling

We get to do a whole song with the kids on our backs;
my favorite

Actually, the tambourine tarantella is
probably my favorite. Who can decide?

Daisy "Carmen" Scarborough

Relaxing song at the end with scented kerchiefs

The huddle for the dancing-clown-music-box
tradition at the end of class

The kids are completely mesmerized

When our class is over, we do some shopping on our walk back home. If we're lucky, there's puddles. It's a great morning!