Dance fever

My steely resolve to end the Sprogs’ dance lessons due to the distasteful make-up practices dissolved into a puddle of tears at their end-of-year dance concert. While I remain deeply opposed to the red lipstick etc (and now understand why school mums are told to attend makeup classes – applying mascara to five-year-old lashes is bloody tricky), I must admit the high ponytails looked quite fetching. And the dancing, oh the dancing … The Sprogs wore these bright, little, shiny costumes. They did these adorable dance routines. It was so damn cute. Sprog 2 shimmied around to “Carwash” and I became blitheringly emotional about how far she’s come in the past 12 months. Last year she was a “tiny tot” in a tutu looking alternately vacant and worried as she faced the audience and shuffled aimlessly. She started this year as a shy, terrified kindy kid, traumatised after being bitten in the playground within the first fortnight. On Saturday, she took to the stage with a huge smile and performed with rhythm and vigor. Every few seconds, I’d marvel at the transformation and start blubbering again. Fortunately it was very dark in the auditorium, which gave me a chance to compose myself before the lights came up. I’ve now become desperate to get the official DVD, so I can watch them perform over and over and over and over. There go my principles. I’ve been seduced to the dark (eye make-up) side. The Sprogs have been duly informed they’re expected to attend dance classes next year to make Mummy proud again (personal enjoyment optional). Not that I’d ever emotionally blackmail my children. No, it’s all about exercise and teamwork and improving their co-ordination. I have their best interests at heart. Well, aside from the distasteful make-up thing. That’ll always suck.  

TONIGHT’S DINNER: Cheat’s sausage curry with last night’s sausages. Fry up some chopped onion, chuck in 1/3 of a jar of Patak’s korma paste, stir for a minute, add 6-8 sliced sausages, stir for a minute. Add a can of coconut milk. Simmer five minutes. Serve with rice and veg.