Hip Hop Ballet

Rian just completed a five week ballet & hip hop class for 4 & 5 year olds. She really enjoyed the portion of the class dedicated to the hip hop dancing. Here she is in action! (sorry you have to tilt your head to watch these!)

Ballet part Deux

Ballet II started three weeks ago and our little ballerina was so excited. We kept all of the handouts she received from Ballet I so she could practice. They are taped to the wall and she and little sis love to play ballerina by imitating the poses captured on the handouts. The latest move they are both practicing is an arabesque - which means you stand gracefully on one leg and raise the other behind you with toe pointed, then arms are placed either out to the side or in a circle in front of the body. The girls are getting so good at balancing! The videos capture the little ballerina in action. The class was working on some bar skills as well as some fancy sashaying across the dance floor. Enjoy!

Ballet Lessons

Today was Kami and her good friend Reese's first ballet lesson. The lessons are held on Tuesday mornings from 11-11:30 at the Grand Rapids School of Ballet located at 341 Ellsworth, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Miss Jennifer is the instructor of the 12 little ballerinas. Here are some photos and video clips for you to enjoy. I'll try to point out which one is Kami. Kami's good friend Reese is also in the pics and videos since they are taking the class together.

Kami is the second ballerina from the left. Reese is the ballerina between the girl in black and the other girl in dark pink. Here they are doing some barr work (waving at themselves at the big mirror across the room). There is no sound since I shot this through the glass door/windows in the hallway.

This video shows up as a black screen - just press play and the video will begin. Kami and Reese are next to each other (to the left of the girl in dark pink). The group is learning the "first position" with their feet - heels together with toes separated to form a "v" shape.

The class allows for family/visitors to watch the girls during class on the 3rd (Oct 7) and 6th (Oct 28) class. Please feel free to come watch our little ballerina learn ballet.

Guess who is finally 4!

After being three and three quarters for what seemed like an eternity, Kami has turned 4! Here are some pictures from her parties (one on her birthday and another a few days later). The little ballerina (outfit from Grandma) has enjoyed her ribbon wand, bubble blower and jump rope (Papa & Nana). However play clothes and close toed shoes are the only thing allowed when she rides her new Two Wheel Bike!

Here is party #1 (Evans, Koetsier & O'Brien families attended)

Party #2 (O'Brien family w/ aunts & uncle)

For those wondering, we now have our very own water park in the front yard thanks to C & C. The kid mister is great for those hot days when you need to cool off. Kami will also be enrolled in a youngsters ballet class this fall compliments of Aunt Mari. The light-up alarm clock and big girl jewelry (necklaces & rings) from Papa and Maima were also a BIG hit! Thanks to all!