My middle daughter took her first ballet and tap exams last week. The children had been practising their routines for a few weeks and were well prepared and the build up had been kept as low key as possible.
But this didn’t stop my daughter from worrying about them. A few weeks back she point blank refused to go to her dance class and literally dug her heels in to the ground, so determined was she. I didn’t force her to go because I know how much she normally enjoys it, but I was determined to get to the bottom of why she was so insistent.
It turned out that she was worried about the exams because she didn’t know the routines. Logic didn’t even come in to it when I suggested that it would be better that she went to class so that she could practice them. She was also worried about the fact that she would have to wear her hair in a bun and she thought that this wouldn’t be possible because her hair is too short.
My daughter is a natural worrier and I knew there was no way I was going to convince her that everything would be fine. So I promised her that I would contact her teacher and let her know my daughter’s concerns, so that she could help allay them.
I already knew that the exams would be conducted during normal class time and that one of the teachers would even come in with them to help start them off. I also knew that the girls would go in to the exam as a group. But I was never going to be able to convince her this on my own. A quiet word from the teacher and a few more practices was all it took though and by the time the day of the exam came around the nerves were completely gone.
In a way it’s good that she got the wobblies early on and got it out of her system because it meant that on the day she really enjoyed herself. And of course the teachers have years of experience doing hair and could perform miracles with any style or length. I had to take a photo to show my daughter the result and she was more than pleased!
A happy, smiling girl and her friends went in to their first exam and an equally happy, smiling girl came out at the end. I’m proud of my daughter for overcoming her fears and having the courage to take this exam. She’s learnt a lot about herself by doing it, not least that she is a competent little dancer, but also that she is a lot braver than she believed.
judithkingston says
Her hair really does look perfect, wow! And it’s wonderful that she managed to overcome her fears and worries – exams are nerve racking, especially when you’re still small!
Nicola Young says
I think it’s good for them to have the experience of doing something like that though. They enjoyed.
Nicola Young says
Yes they did a good job with very little hair. Somehow that seemed to help things.
Claire @ Clarina's Contemplations says
I used to hate dance exams… So scary. Sounds like she did wonderfully though!
Nicola Young says
It was well prepared for and they didn’t make it a big deal.
Mama Owl says
Well done her for getting through it – and you for supporting her through it!
Nicola Young says
We didn’t have to watch, thank goodness.
Nicola Young says
I don’t know about supporting. I tried to assure her that it was no big deal, because it really wasn’t.
stellabranch says
It’s almost a shame that they have the pressure of exams at that age, isn’t it? But she’s done it now and conquered her fear. Wonderful.
Nicola Young says
It was supposed to be enjoyable, really. But some children worry more than others about these things, I have one of those!
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
Oh, well done to your daughter, it’s all the more special because she was nervous and overcame her fears too x #loudnproud
Nicola Young says
Thanks! She is a worrier, but I’m used to it now.
sarahmo3w says
Very well done to her! It’s fear of the unknown. Glad she survived it and hopefully she will remember in future that it’s not all that bad. Her hair looks great too. My daughter is a big worrier about hair, but not dancing!
Nicola Young says
My daughter will always worry about the little things.
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) says
Awww good thing that it turned out well! She looks like a proper dancer and she looks proud to=) #loudnproud
Nicola Young says
Always good to celebrate an achievement
lauracymft says
Aww well done her!
Nicola Young says
Thanks.
Kim Carberry says
Aww! Bless her…So glad things turned out ok!
Her hair looks fab x
Nicola Young says
Thanks. I can’t take the credit for the hair, but I was watching carefully for future reference.
Coombe Mill (Fiona) (@coombemill) says
Dancing exams are so good for them, a great way to get used to the idea while they are too young to be scared of them. It will stand her in good stead for life. #MagicMoments
Nicola Young says
Yes I think so too.
Ally E says
Her hair does look so cute! I remember worrying about little details like that. Each time I had a piano recital or other performance, it became a little easier the next time! She’s lucky to have you, who knew how to help her feel more comfortable 🙂
Nicola Young says
Thanks. I guess the concern for the event manifests itself by worrying about the little things.