Recital Time

After we moved last year, Big Sis was eager to continue her ballet education. We found a good school associated with a local ballet company, and signed her up. I liked that her teacher seemed to be no-nonsense, and there was a greater emphasis on precision. I also liked that the observation window was always open so parents could watch during lessons.

The year passed, she enjoyed the lessons, and as Spring bloomed, we prepared for the recital.

Recital review: The theme was Michigan - Places to Go, People to See, Things to Do. After two years at the beloved CCDC in Des Moines, I have to admit I was sorely disappointed by this recital. While it showcased the variety of classes offered at her school, including hip-hop, jazz, tap, and modern, the show itself was completely disjointed. Each class or group did a different routine, and while each routine was supposed to represent a different aspect of Michigan, there was no introduction to the routines so you had no idea what class was performing or what the theme was.

I also felt that the school took recital preparation very lightly. Perhaps it was just Big Sis' age group, but during recital week, they did one run-through at the school (performing the routine ONCE) and one run-through dress rehearsal on stage with no feedback (which I was totally unprepared for & consequently have no video of).

It was really a bummer of an ending for an otherwise positive experience. If we hadn't been a part of CCDC, I wouldn't know the difference, but the contrast between the two schools is significant. Des Moines moms, you are fortunate to have such a professional, focused dance school available to your children.