Disappointment and Excitement

This weekend has been an extreme of emotions.

Today Sarah auditioned for a spot in the Atlanta Ballet's the Nutcracker. We felt pretty confident that she would secure a spot because she performed with them last year. Well, unfortunately, the economy has affected the ballet. The Atlanta Ballet has had to cut the Nutcracker casts from 6 to 4 as they will have less performances this year due to loss of income. So, that meant the spots that would have been open to the public (as opposed to the spots taken by the kids who dance at the Ballet's school) were cut.

We did not know any of this before we decided to audition. All of this information was given to us right before they took the kids into audition. So, when Sarah emerged from the audition, she looked at me with sad eyes and shook her head "no". Needless to say Sarah was disappointed (and my heart broke for her) but after we spoke and she realized that not being chosen had NOTHING to do with her dancing ability but it was all about the economy she felt better. But, she is angry with President Obama because he hasn't done what he promised. She wants the economy to do better so she can perform with the Nutcracker. Hmm...maybe she should write to him so he can view the world through the eyes of an innocent 11 year old. I mean, she is being affected now by the economy and certainly will have to pay for his fiscal decisions in her future.

On the other hand, Grace had her second meet on Saturday and once again, just amazed us all! She took 3rd place in the vault, 1st in beam, bars, floors and all around! She increased her all around score from the last meet--from 36.75 to 37.17! So, once again Grace came home with 5 medals!!!

It was a little scary for us, because during warm-up Grace landed on her head during her bar dismount and immediately burst into tears! We thought she had hurt herself but after the meet she told me she cried because she was so frustrated that she ruined her dismount!! I thought for sure the meet was going to be a wreck for her. But, Grace bounced back and once again, enjoyed herself and it showed!

Because Grace has scored above a 32 on these past two meets she has qualified for the State meet in December. We sure hope she continues to do well and places well at State.

We are so proud of both girls. Proud of Grace for doing her best and proud of Sarah for not only being brave enough to audition for the Nutcracker but to take the disappointment in such a mature way.

The silver lining? We will be able to watch the Nutcracker as a family this year. And next year? Hopefully the economy will be better and the Ballet will be able to add back the performances. Sarah will certainly be there to audition--she's not ready to hang up her ballet slippers yet!