Like mother, like daughter

Last Friday I shared a little about my dance background, and today I want to share a little about my mom's!

I guess you could say dancing "runs in the family" - really just my mom and I, but whatever. Family affair and all.

Mama S and I (and friend) circa 2002 rehearsing a recital piece

She danced throughout her childhood and majored in ballet for two years in college, but once she switched majors, she didn't dance again for about 19 years.

In the midst of all this, she got married and had a beautiful little baby girl (HI!) who grew up to be 5 years old and wanted to go to dance class.

Well, like daughter, like mother, right? I was enrolled in a tap and ballet class, and my mom decided to return to ballet. One of the mother's from my daily play group just happened to be a ballet teacher at the studio up the street, so that's where we ended up going. I eventually wound up following that teacher to several different studios for the next 12 years.

Back to my mom: it took a bit of time, but she got her technique back and has been taking ballet at least once a week for the past 20 years now. I finally surpassed her in technique and abilities towards the end of high school and went on to major in dance in college.

She's seriously good, you guys. Especially for her age.

Just a few weeks ago, she was at an Interlochen reunion (it's an arts camp and academy) in Michigan, where they decided to put on a "talent show" of sorts. Her and a friend decided to do a modern improv piece, which super impressed me because my mom is definitely a ballet dancer through and through. If you have a few minutes, please watch the video below! My mama is the one with the long hair, and her hubby is the one playing piano!

Le sigh. I only hope to be movin' and shakin' as much as she is in another 30 years!