So, I have mentioned in the past that Aislinn has no fear of performing, but she really stepped it up again tonight.The highland dance group that Aislinn participates in is so great at making community appearances, and tonight they performed for a group of seniors who obviously love to have them. The room was full, and all the girls were fabulous. Aislinn danced several dances, some of which she barely knows,
but when given the opportunity, she never turns it down. She heads out there and tries her very best, adapting to follow suit of the girls around her. At age 4, she has more confidence in herself than I have to this day. The instructor of this great group of girls, impresses me so much also, in the way she draws the girls out, and fully expects them to participate wholly in the group and in their performances. When the dancing was done, she invited all the girls to go out among the seniors, and find out their names and where they were born. 
After 3 or 4 rounds, she invited the girls to seek out the seniors favorite foods, and report back to her at the front. And if this wasn't enough, she then encouraged the girls to sing some of their favorite songs, Aislinn requesting Twinkle, twinkle, which she started, and was soon joined by all the others.
( They also sang "My Bonnie lies over the ocean", and "Jingle Bells")
The amazing thing to me, is that it was all done with smiles, not a single complaint, and all joined in from age 4 to 17! Wow, I love how that impacts Aislinn, far more than I care about the dance.
After 3 or 4 rounds, she invited the girls to seek out the seniors favorite foods, and report back to her at the front. And if this wasn't enough, she then encouraged the girls to sing some of their favorite songs, Aislinn requesting Twinkle, twinkle, which she started, and was soon joined by all the others.
( They also sang "My Bonnie lies over the ocean", and "Jingle Bells")The amazing thing to me, is that it was all done with smiles, not a single complaint, and all joined in from age 4 to 17! Wow, I love how that impacts Aislinn, far more than I care about the dance.
And I have to make a quick mention of these two ladies on the left. Without even knowing it , the have made it up to hero status in Aislinn's eyes, and their kindness to her is appreciated far more than they know.
2 comments:
Ahh, the performance confidence of kids who start young -- it really is a miracle to behold. I've taught many violin students over the years and the only ones who have had performance anxiety are the ones who were older than about 8 when they first began having regular performance experiences. The kids who started at 4 just take to it like fish to water. I've found that to be true even for my own perfectionistic / introverted kids. They simply love performing. Some kids go through a slightly self-conscious phase in early adolescence, but they all come out the other end quickly if they've been encouraged to perform from a young age.
Aren't seniors homes a great place to find an audience? They're so appreciative, and always up for an informal performance!
So true! I love the confidence in herself she exudes in public and hope she is able to hold on to it -a trait I fall short on.
The seniors were fabulous, laughing and calling out and soaking up the energy of the dancers. They were all so eager for a touch or a word from the girls. And I am sure their day was the better for it.
The girls and I are hoping to get out into the seniors community even more and take advantage of the love they are so eager to share with us.
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