After a long year of social distancing, being fully vaccinated meant I could finally return to one of my favorite roles: Grandma. This year, I was absolutely thrilled to attend my middle granddaughter’s Dance Recital. Proud grandma face fully engaged, I settled in for an afternoon of pure delight.
The wonderful thing about this dance school was its inclusivity. Every child, from the tiniest tots to graduating high school seniors, had the opportunity to participate in the recital. Whether a dancer was a beginner or more advanced, everyone who wanted to be on stage was welcomed. It was a true celebration of dance for all.
The youngest dancers, the three-year-olds in their adorable, brightly colored tutus, were simply captivating. Just keeping up with the music seemed like a monumental achievement for these little ones. Their eyes were wide with wonder, taking in the sight of a packed audience filled with family and friends. I even saw one little girl wave enthusiastically, though smiles seemed momentarily forgotten. They were so focused, so intent on listening to the music and trying their best to remember the steps. It reminded me of musicians deeply concentrating during a performance!
As the recital progressed and the age of the dancers increased, the growth was palpable. It was beautiful to witness the development of coordination, rhythm, and grace in each subsequent group. Those tentative baby steps we saw in the beginning had blossomed into increasingly intricate and confident movements. The older dancers moved with a fluidity and poise that was truly impressive, executing smooth transitions and demonstrating years of dedication.
Dance recitals, of course, are not without their unexpected moments. During one routine, my granddaughter Mia had a little mishap – she lost a shoe! But without missing a beat, she gracefully kicked it aside and continued dancing on in just one shoe, a big smile never leaving her face. Her poise and resilience were remarkable.
The sense of pride radiating from all the dancers at the end of the evening was truly magnificent. They had clearly worked incredibly hard, learned the importance of teamwork and group performance, honed their skills, and now they were basking in the admiration and applause they so richly deserved. A dance recital is so much more than just a performance; it’s a culmination of effort and a celebration of achievement.
This transformation, from tentative beginner to confident performer, reminds me of growth in many areas, including my own experience in the dulcimer community. Just like these young dancers, “newbies” in the dulcimer world start with simple tunes and, with persistence, progress to more complex and beautiful music. The pinnacle is often playing with others, creating harmonies and performing together – a much more rewarding experience than playing solo, despite the added challenge.
The dulcimer community, much like the world of dance schools, is also re-emerging after a period of isolation. While some musicians may have set their instruments aside, others embraced online learning opportunities. However, the missing element has been the joy of playing music together in person.
Similar to those youngest dancers needing a goal to motivate them, many musicians are eager to reconnect and perform. Organizations like Performing Arts Educators are helping to facilitate this re-emergence. They are planning a fantastic opportunity for large dulcimer ensembles to perform on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville next April. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating this chance to make music with friends on such a prestigious stage. Celebrations and shared experiences like dance recitals and group performances aren’t just for the young; they are vital for keeping us all vibrant, engaged, and excited about life, no matter our age.
