The Crossnore School Dance Day

No pictures of course, as we are protecting the children. Maybe we can get shots of feet and legs at some point in the future! :-)
The day was SPECTACULAR! We had 2 classes and 1 private lesson. The first class consisted of children from 4 years old thru 12. They were FUN and had a great time as far as we could tell! They tried everything ... no whiners! Talk about a great experience. I know it was only our first time, but there is never a better time to get the first impression. IT was an absolutely GREAT day. The second class had an interesting turn out. It wasn't mandatory as we had discussed originally, so it was all girls, of course. They were typical teens, shy, insecure, but they showed up! So we did our best to keep them entertained and all that. It is so interesting to teach these kids. They are smart, wise beyond their years, and really do want to be preoccupied with something besides what they are or have been going through. It was an absolutely lovely day. And, there was a prize in the mix for us, as one of the girls is a dancer. She hasn't been able to get a dance class since she performed in her recital since June of this past year. SO, she and I had a great private lesson, did some lyrical choreography for her. She is truly exquisite and has only had 2 years of dance training. Just one of those people that was blessed with "the gift". I hope to be working with her several times a week ... for both of our sakes!!
There were all types of kids ... Blondies, brunettes, toothless (from being 6 or 7), happy, scabbed up from falling off of their bikes, anxious and fidgety, smiling and happy, and the typical "watch me, watch me". I was fortunate enough to just be able to teach and play while we were there, and really be in the moment with all of that. But when we left and there was time to ponder, I began to wonder why things turn out the way they do. And although I'll never have that answer, it will be more in my face than it has been, I'm sure. I fell in love over and over again yesterday with child after child. They are so very precious and fragile, and in so many ways, just normal kids. It's going to be an interesting study for me.
***SOAP BOX ALERT***
The very saddest thing is: North Carolina legislature passed the law that displaced children under the age of 12 MUST IF AT ALL POSSIBLE go to a foster home first. The school here has an incredible environment for children, and they live in cottages much like normal homes, with house parents and all ages of "siblings" in the cottage, as well as a dog, fish, cats, etc., etc. It is so safe, snuggled in the blue ridge mountains amongst the Christmas trees and clouds, in a loving sheltered HOME atmosphere. The environment is perfect for all the children. But the ignorant idiots that make the laws have decided that the youngest children should be put in foster homes, where most times the foster parents are crack heads and are using the money for drugs and such, and feeding the children dog food while locking them in a closet. Five children (siblings) were just sent back to their father, who is out on bail for having a meth lab in the home, because of this law. The kids had just begun the feeling of safety and security when the law ripped them out of the safe environment to put them back into the arms of "daddy dearest" because THEY ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 12, and he hasn't gone to trial yet and they must be in a home if at all possible. SO, meanwhile, these babies are stuck in this environment, which is the worst possible scenario, because our legislature has their head up their ass and doesn't want to fund safety for these kids. (why is it always about funding? They could do without a dinner per month and fund these babies ) Now I ask you, HOW does this make sense? Bet I found a new concentration for my red headed determination to focus on and, as they say, "seek and conquer"!! When I get the info from Dr. Crain (the administrator of the school) on Monday, I will forward it on and be asking you to please help us get the legislature here to understand their mistake and change the damn stupid mandate. How bizarre!
Therein lies my anxiety. And if Paul & I can give these kids just one hour of smiling and fun during their week filled with adult b.s., then by golly, we're there! And PROUD and HAPPY to do it!
And today we will probably do something with apples! OH, surprise! Hope you are all well and happy!!!
Paul & Cheri