Olivia takes a ballet class in Balboa Park one evening a week.  First, I should say that this is the best little ballet company, the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet.  Not only is it extremely affordable, they are well organized, wonderful teachers, and the perfect combination of teaching the girls discipline and technique and giving them an opportunity to love ballet and the experience.  In other words, it is not up tight and over done.  It is ballet, for 4-8 year olds, as it should be.

The first semester, the other three and I would tour around parts of the park we did not know.  Balboa Park is a treasure trove.  After class, we would meet up with Olivia for a picnic.  This park is full of every kind of crazy you can imagine, including your own kind.  There is hidden talent - our classically trained cellist neighbor plays there all the time.  Then there was that couple playing what appeared to be homemade instruments, dressed in some sort of bohemian costume, chanting and dancing.  I was not sure whether I needed to shield the kids' eyes or have them take notes.  

There are voices of deception every where, some on mega phones.  And some, sadly, with Bibles in their hands.  I have jogged through this place and been invigorated as I ran.  There have also been times that I could not get out fast enough - the burden of oppression and lies of sin and culture heavy on my shoulders.

This year Olivia and her friend, Avery, were in the same class.  This is them after the Spring Showcase.  I still think that the lipstick is their favorite part of ballet.  Avery's mom sent me a picture of the girls in their costumes, but I can't download it.  They were cute, trust me.  

Cute little ballerina.  Next year we'll have two!