There once was a child who was born to dance.
From the earliest days, that girl lit up a stage.
I witnessed it myself.
From the earliest days, that girl lit up a stage.
I witnessed it myself.
That girl's mom saw the high school years approaching in no time,
and she wanted to capture whatever glimpses remained of the child.
(Smart mom.)
![DSC_9472-Edit-2](https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7288/27217277141_2a11082d6c_c.jpg)
So I got to spend an evening with Irene.
(Lucky me!)
![Positions](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7762/27217260651_281244b501_c.jpg)
Irene's gracefulness speaks for itself.
![Tying](https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7407/27217257521_4011d418bb_c.jpg)
![Ballet](https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7036/27287575495_074f833b33_c.jpg)
What struck me was the worn out floor and the shoes
that spoke more of strength and toughness
than of gracefulness.
![Ballet BW](https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7429/27190695952_87e57b084e_c.jpg)
![en pointe](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7353/27217246411_7e6560caac_c.jpg)
![Pointe Shoes](https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7281/26681175223_9b0e02fefa_c.jpg)
![Feet](https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7453/27011931920_ba135c943f_c.jpg)
![hip hop](https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7230/26681188403_530f1b941d_c.jpg)
There were other classes in other studios.
Friends who have spent a lifetime together.
Teachers who are mentors.
Little girls who look up to the big girls.
Inspiring, all of it.
![DSC_0007](https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7431/26681244253_233f56f869_c.jpg)
And the mom waiting as always at the end of the evening.
Irene, watching you dance was such a beautiful experience.
I loved your energy and passion, your focus and determination,
the fun you were having with your friends,
and the fact that you are comfortable in your own skin.
![DSC_9971](https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7568/27190746342_2168dc530d_c.jpg)
Next year you are going to high school
Only God knows where else you will go in life.
But this is for certain:
You shine by being just the girl He made you to be.
![DSC_9851](https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7718/27217796621_b4acf1e3a8_c.jpg)
Graceful.