Years ago - before kids, I used to work in a field that I loved (still love in fact). I used to lighting designer and stage manager for several local dance companies, I spent a couple of years as a stage electrician and production assistant at a theatre, worked for a university dance department and well, you get the picture. I walked away from it all when my son was born and have never regretted it. It took me a long time to find some way to make use of my love of the performing arts. I have helped design sets for my kids elementary school plays, co-directed the school's talent show for a number of years with my best friend, and most recently helped backstage at my daughter's first dance recital.
It took me a few years to let go of some of my expectations and relax a bit.
It has been worth the effort...kids are almost always a delight, occasionally a challenge, but never a waste of time or energy...
Few things are more rewarding than watching a shy child learn to sing out loud, or dance, or just be on stage. Nothing beats watching kids grow into confident performers over the years.
Equally rewarding is watching the rare few discover how much they enjoy being behind the scenes, discovering all the small details that make a show look seamless to the audience.
I got my start in dance recitals so much like my daughter's I could close my eyes and picture all the girls I grew up with fussing over their make-up and looking for tights and toe shoes, trying to walk quietly in tap shoes, while reining in the excitement of being just about to walk onstage. The same coloring books to occupy the downtime during rehearsal, the wide eyed looks at the big girls in toe shoes and costumes that are the epitome of every ballerina dream. Once I stage managed for Merce Cunningham (just one time but what a time) Yesterday I helped little girls negotiate quick changes and sweaty tights and uncooperative head pieces, passed out crayons and shhhs in equal measure and watched my little girl take the stage. Sometimes I second guess the choices that have landed where I am today, yesterday was not one of those times...
Bravo girls!
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