First Position

Are you a ballet mom? Do you spend your weekend with a ballet class inserted in your precious schedule? I do. So let's talk.

There are a lot of reasons to send your daughter, or son, to an esteemed school of dance. It could be that their school has a program to offer, or you felt that your offspring should learn basic gracefulness, or that you ultimately believe that your child has the talent – inherited or otherwise – that needs to be explored and nurtured for a possible future in the performing arts. Whatever your reasons are, it starts at an unholy weekend hour of 9:00 am, rain or shine.

Obviously, I'm new to this since we just started last June. But for all my gripes and grouses, I still take my little princess Nana to the dance studio. Even if I have to go through another gasping-for-breath third floor climb. Despite having a headache. Or HO. (Yes, I try to have a life other than being a mom. Lol) My imagined ailments disappear after seeing my little ballerina beaming with joy on her water break. And the sense of accomplishment I see in her after the 45 minute exercise.

On a short term view, I hope that my daughter’s dance lessons will build her discipline and confidence. And develop her ability for teamwork - to think not only for herself but also of the welfare of her fellow dancers. But at 8 years old, my daughter has a looooong way to go.

Should I dare mention that on the long term basis, I hope that she can qualify for an apprenticeship in a New York dance academy? Nah, that's just me dreaming. And never will I impose my aspirations and/or frustrations on my children! Haha.

On the brighter side, there are very good schools of dance for classical ballet here in Iloilo City. They are as follows:

• Sol Fernandez School of Dance - Arancillo Bldg. Ledesma cor Fuentes St. Iloilo City
• Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio School of Performing Arts - Diversion Road, Iloilo City
• Claravall-Gonzales School of Classical Ballet - Jamerlan Bldg. Iznart St. Iloilo City

Each of the above schools has garnered their own awards and recognition in the field of classical ballet. There are also other dance companies in the city. Some school-based; others led by private individuals. The repertoire can range from ballet, jazz, modern, salsa to street-dance and hip-hop.

Whatever your child desires, encourage it as venue of self-expression. Aside from the exercise, it can keep the youngsters away for a few hours from their virtual nanny called Video Games or the Internet. At least we agree on that, right?

Live. Leap. Let go!

Nana doing bar exercises @ SFSD. Cutesies!