Day 1

Katie woke fairly early. She was dressed in her dance wear by 630, hair done by 7 and practicing piano by 730. I had a lovely good luck message from her ballet teacher for her, who said she was in Covent Garden too today and would try go see her. About 9, Katie lost all ability to stand still and wait patiently. Her excited got very bouncy and very excited.

We made it to the tube and she was leaping and dancing on the train. We arrived at Pineapple in good time. Our blipper friends were already there and A & Katie had no hesitations whatsoever about getting on with it together. I'd been a little nervous for Katie but had no need. She didn't even look back as she skipped off into class.

Come lunchtime, the chaperones were supervising some stretching/sleeping lions. Rachel came into the studio. She told me that every child in the room beside Katie had noticed her; Katie remained totally focused. But was totally delighted when she spotted her. They had a chat and a hug & Katie was so delighted that Rachel had been to see her. Rachel text me later to tell me that Katie had looked really beautiful and how much she loved her skirt (new, very cute). This of course pleased Katie.

The first class of the afternoon was repertoire. This was Katie's favourite of the day. They did some work from sleeping beauty which she took great delight in demonstrating to me later on. Repeatedly. The last class of the day was Pilates, which Katie hasn't experienced before. I think she was a little disappointed as it wasn't her idea of a dance class, but she did understand when I explained it's importance. The class was taken by the principal of Ballet Boost who said to me afterwards that Katie had done really well today. She was the youngest (though at pains to inform me she wasn't the smallest, 2nd smallest but not smallest!) but she definitely felt she could hold her own in class. I am watching repertoire tomorrow, I am really interested to see for myself.

I'd spent the day mainly with uncle Simon. He waited for a quick hug & face pulling with Katie before he headed home. Katie was (as always) insistent she was starving so we got a quick cheese toast from subway (I was pleasantly surprised to find it was still £1 in central London) before our tube back.

Aunty Kay picked us up and we took Katie home for a stretch & bath. She was very chatty and enthusiastic during dinner. I had to remind her several times to sit at the table, not keep jumping up to demonstrate! After tea, she and Katie had a really happy half hour together playing clarinets as Kay had brought hers home from the school she teaches at. It still took a little convincing to get Katie to go to sleep. She was struggling to switch off and was conflicted about whether she wanted me to snuggle her or just leave her on her own. It took until about 820 to convince her of the need to sleep!