Of Ducks and Dances.

Up on my feet!

Today, officially marking my transition to toddler-dom, Mummy and me attended my first professional dance class at Dance Base in the Grassmarket, the impressive Scottish National Centre for Dance, nestled in the shadow of the Castle in the Old Town.  With a mission to encourage the potential for dance in everyone, I certainly felt inspired to participate.  Having been on my feet for all of 4 weeks, I can now confidently totter across the room, though I am still stopping half way to allow my audience the opportunity to clap appreciatively.  Dance? Of course I can.  I'm already feeling I could have something of a talent.

It must be admitted that things did not start well.  I was a little unsure of the lift, the reception and the fabulous play area.  Who knows what might happen here, I thought, before letting off a piteous wail to make completely clear that I wasn't having any of it.  The play area looked harmless enough - a huge bright wall of interesting sounds and textures; a big play mat - and a big boy who came and nicked my toy.  It had all been a bit knife edge up until that point... but by the time we went into Studio One I was already at full pelt blub, and Mummy was beginning to wonder if it had all been a terrible mistake.  Now don't get me wrong - it is an amazing space.  So light, so airy, so VAST...   but who could know what terrible things might befall you there?

Then Gemma started the class - with hand shaking, body rolling, squibbling star jumps.  Oh boy - is that fabulous fun!  Isn't she the most exciting person in the entire world?  I was so delighted.  All smiles and giggles.  No tears at all.  We got to run away from scary snappy sharks; to scuttle like a crab; to row our boats and to jump and glide.  I was also the bravest small person in the world - not only did I go under the parachute, but I rode on top of it as the Mummies and Daddies pulled it round.  I had a whale of a time... boom boom.   As we left, Gemma concluded that I was a "very good dancer for a 16 month old".  There you go - a professional opinion - I just knew I had talent!

Afterwards we nipped into Helios on the Grassmarket - Mummy fondly remembers when they used to bake cakes on site, and had a little cafe full or delicious smells and cosy corners.  Anyway, I mention it because I found a fabulous duck - a pull along one.  Would you credit they have ducks you can pull along as you walk!  I really, really wanted to take it home, but Mummy said not today.  Sad Face.   I just want to make it clear that I can easily combine my new found interest in movement with my duck obsession and other more cerebral pursuits.  Christmas present anyone?

Dance Base offers drop in Dance and Play sessions for little ones every Wednesday morning at 10.45 am.  £3.50 for one adult and child.