Alice in Wonderland

This is Betsy as Alice.

Tonight at Betsy's school they had their annual Performing Arts Evening. Betsy featured in the chorus of the extract from their forthcoming show, Grease, as well as in an extract from the play version of Alice in Wonderland.

Her friend Rachel was playing The Queen. It was only about five or six minutes long but it was lovely to see Betsy take a lead part and do so well. It was also a landmark moment as it's the first time I've seen Betsy wear a dress for ten years. And she is only 12! When she was about 18 months old she started to ask not to wear skirts and dresses, only ever wanting to wear jeans. By the time she was about two and a half she had started to beg not to be made to wear them even on special occasions like parties or weddings. So, of course we never made her, and so I haven't seen her wear a skirt or dress ever since. Not once, not ever, not under any circumstances. Not for weddings, parties, christenings, school or anything else whatsoever (not even netball!).

Though she looked lovely, I don't suppose for a minute she will be doing it again in any kind of hurry. I expect the next time will be when she's in the actual performance of Grease.

I was so proud of her performances, and being part of such a great event at the school. There is singing and dancing as well as drama performances, from the after school clubs as well as the GCSE students, and it they were all so good.