Once upon a December

Momo recently stopped attending her ballet studio but she has still been practicing at home and today she performed for the family on our back porch. She choreographed a dance for an old song called "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," as well as choreographed a liturgical/ballet dance, with help from her ballet teacher, that was performed to a song from the movie Anastasia, "Once Upon a December." Sam was in charge of "catering" (her chocolate covered pretzels were delicious!) while I controled the music and set up chairs in our yard. Our grandparents and cousins walked over and enjoyed the show while looking at their special programs (Momo made them) and snacking on mini beef-franks-in-a-blanket or peanut butter cookies (Sam). Momo did a splendid job and we are looking forward to next years performance!

If you would like to hear either of the songs, here are the videos Momo used to learn them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtqIM_bPTws ("Hippopotamus" is played on the radio regularly during the Christmas season and my sisters have come to look forward to it every year)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seV5e96bTL4&feature=related


Here are some pictures taken before and during the performance:

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Stretching (or posing) before performing.

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No pointe shoes unfortunately because she broke off a toe nail and it would have been rather painful.

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(A shot in midair! Great job, Sam!)
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The pretty purple costume was for "I Want a Hippopotamus" and this more elegant outfit was for "December."
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Afterward, while our family stayed to chat and enjoy the snacks, the kiddies entertained us with an impromptu dance. The usually very masculine Squire R attempted ballerina twirls and tried dancing on his toes, but when Baby followed suit it just became a silly game of hopping around and falling on the ground. We managed to catch them on camera a few times and thus I've posted a video or two for anyone remotely interested in our little ones. You can hear us discussing The Christmas Shoes in the background of the first video, probably my favorite Christmas movie ever.

We've certainly been busy these last few weeks one thing and another. Whether you've been busy or not, I hope you all have a very good December!

Risa