Nurturing Shannon's Talents

Shannon had the chance to try for her first "scholarship", but we turned it down. For now at least.

Her ballet teacher asked if Shannon wanted to try for a scholarship at her dance school, which would involve attending 3 lessons a week, rigorously, diligently. In return, she would get free lessons - but she would have to perform at dance recitals and represent the school in competitions and so on. It sounded like a good deal initially, but would more or less take our Sunday afternoons away.

At this point, I think it is more essential for us to spend our precious weekends together as a family doing fun things like cycling, swimming, visiting places, finishing homework :)

The question we often have is, how far do we think Shannon will go? Does she have the makings of a professional dancer? Does it make sense for us to push her all the way? Will she be happy being a dancer or instructor or will she turn around and blame us if she doesn't become a dancer?

After 3 years, her interest and excitement to dance are still there and she looks up to and admires the older Jie Jies there - which if nothing else, serves as good examples and role models for her and the other young girls (I hope).

I actually haven't seen her dancing in over a year - so I'm looking forward to the next open house.

Shannon, Just Dance.