Ashton completed her first dance class a few weeks ago.  She liked some things about it and not others.  Lots of class time was spent with her sitting next to me, watching, and rejoining the class when she felt comfortable.  Actually the first 2 or  3 classes were spent only watching.  Sometimes I wanted to do like some of the other parents and make her go out, but then I would take a breath and let her go at her own pace, within her comfort limits.  I forget sometimes that she is only 5 (and frankly I think I’d benefit from someone sitting with me on the sidelines when I get scared, too).  She would like to continue learning to dance, although a different format might work better for her, with more one-on-one instruction and personal support from her teacher.  But for a first go, she got a lot out of it and enjoyed herself.  I am a proud mammy.