Ballet

     Today was Amaya's second ballet class. After the first class her teacher pulled me aside to talk. She showed me how she taught Amaya to stand. She had her shift her hips forward so that her hips would be level. When she's in ballet shoes, without a lift, her left leg is shorter than her right one and doesn't touch the floor in the same way as the other. That's the same issue we have when she tries to wear any other slip on shoes. That's why I always push for her to be in her shoes with a lift. Her teacher's suggestion would help keep her hips and back aligned while she's in her ballet shoes or any other flat shoes.
      I was touched by her teachers kindness and willingness to help. I appreciate how she acknowledged it and dealt with it in a tactful, kind and professional way. It's been nice to see Amaya meet new girls who live in our area, to try something new, and to push herself. During ballet Amaya does a lot of exercises, stretches and balance work that is similar to what she did during physical therapy. She's also going to be performing in the Nutcracker this year as a gingerbread. In a few weeks, in addition to her weekly class, she'll also have a weekly practice. Although it'll be busy for a couple of months it's a nice distraction before the surgery. And this will be one more thing that she CAN do. It's so important for me that she and others believe that she CAN do anything.