Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Pre-School Dance Lessons"A music and dance teacher's improvization
27 total reviews
Comment from judiverse
This is delightfully presented, and so many great details. I felt that I knew the little dancers after reading this. Funny incident with the little girl with the three older brothers, thinking she knew all about sex. Three years old seems a very tender age to expect a public performance, so it's understandable that this young miss couldn't handle it. Parents should accept that in their children and let them grow up a little before making such demands. I recently saw a video of a father who hopped up on the stage and danced himself to try to encourage his reluctant daughter. That's really being supportive. Your writing is wonderful, but I wish you could find a way to avoid the "Lessons." Folks can figure those things out when they read. Maybe it's just me, but that's my opinion. judi
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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This is delightfully presented, and so many great details. I felt that I knew the little dancers after reading this. Funny incident with the little girl with the three older brothers, thinking she knew all about sex. Three years old seems a very tender age to expect a public performance, so it's understandable that this young miss couldn't handle it. Parents should accept that in their children and let them grow up a little before making such demands. I recently saw a video of a father who hopped up on the stage and danced himself to try to encourage his reluctant daughter. That's really being supportive. Your writing is wonderful, but I wish you could find a way to avoid the "Lessons." Folks can figure those things out when they read. Maybe it's just me, but that's my opinion. judi
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Well, but Judi, your opinion matters to me, and I always want you to provide your feedback. I very much appreciate that you take the time and effort to do so.
I do the "lessons" at the end because, first, the name of the book is Lessons in the Key of Life and, second, it's about the lessons I learn with each lesson I teach. So if I didn't include my lesson learned at the end of each chapter, then it would feel as if all that were nullified.
I saw that video with the dad on stage dancing with his little over-wrought daughter. Very sweet, indeed.
Thanks again for your feedback, my friend. xo
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You're very welcome. You saw that video too! I thought it was wonderful, and a neat thing for the dad to do. The lessons thing is just my opinion. It makes me feel as if I'm taking a class. judi
Comment from Sandra Elizabeth Williams
An enjoyable read, Rachelle. Excellent lessons shared as well. I love the stories shared in "Appearances", especially the little dancer who had put her dress on over her leotard. :-D :-D
Then what had me cracking up was the story of your age!!! Oh boy, children!!!
I remember when my first son was about 6 years old I picked him up from school one day and he whispered to me and in a conspirational tone said, " Mommy, do you know that my teacher is 100 years old?" I told him she couldn't be but he insisted that she was!
Thank you for sharing with us.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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An enjoyable read, Rachelle. Excellent lessons shared as well. I love the stories shared in "Appearances", especially the little dancer who had put her dress on over her leotard. :-D :-D
Then what had me cracking up was the story of your age!!! Oh boy, children!!!
I remember when my first son was about 6 years old I picked him up from school one day and he whispered to me and in a conspirational tone said, " Mommy, do you know that my teacher is 100 years old?" I told him she couldn't be but he insisted that she was!
Thank you for sharing with us.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Hahaha! I love it when you share these vignettes, Sandra! I bet that teacher told the class that's how old she was. After I told my students I was five-and-three quarters, one of the boys gasped, "But, wait, you DRIVE, right?" "Yeah!" I told him. "If you're tall enough, they let you do that!"
Thank you for your lovely review, Sandra; I always love hearing from you. xo
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You're welcome, Rachelle. And yes, some years later he told me that she told the class she was 100!
LoL LoL!
Have a beautiful day and week ahead.
Comment from LisaMay
Do you still wear that towel on your head? Kids can be brutally honest. Your experiences make such delightful and stage-frightful reading, and the lessons you draw our attention to provide good strategies for living.
What a monster mum that woman was, but she seemed to be calmer for the rest of Chloe's sessions. You lion tamer you. Really enjoyable reading, nothing predictable about it adds to the pleasure.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Do you still wear that towel on your head? Kids can be brutally honest. Your experiences make such delightful and stage-frightful reading, and the lessons you draw our attention to provide good strategies for living.
What a monster mum that woman was, but she seemed to be calmer for the rest of Chloe's sessions. You lion tamer you. Really enjoyable reading, nothing predictable about it adds to the pleasure.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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That's why I love children, though; you ALWAYS know where you stand with them. None of the back-biting/insincerity for which grown-ups can be known.
I was really surprised that Chloe's mom heard me and relaxed. She seemed like such a strident person (no WONDER Chloe froze up when I sat her right in front of her. Gawd! If only I'd known...). I didn't think she'd want to hear about what she should do differently from anyone, least of all her daughter's dance teacher! I was just grateful.
Anyway, thank you for always bestowing the best reviews, LisaMay. You're such an encourager. xo
Comment from kiwijenny
I teach four year olds too. Oh my and we are having a recital in May. What a horrible thing to happen to darling Chloe. How can that mother be so cruel?
They don't get it what a joy they are missing out on...love
Thank you for being the wonderful teacher you are. There is no greater job on the planet except being a mommy
God bless
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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I teach four year olds too. Oh my and we are having a recital in May. What a horrible thing to happen to darling Chloe. How can that mother be so cruel?
They don't get it what a joy they are missing out on...love
Thank you for being the wonderful teacher you are. There is no greater job on the planet except being a mommy
God bless
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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I honestly think, Kiwijenny, that she saw herself as a role model for Tough Love. When we had a one-on-one talk a week later, she told me she felt Chloe was just trying to "manipulate" her. She honestly used that word! I said, "I think she's just being three and wanting to get through a hard situation." It was so startling to me that someone could think like that - especially a parent. But she WAS okay at recitals ever after, so I was just grateful for that.
Thank you for this lovely review, Kiwijenny. You know I always love and appreciate your feedback. xo
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Rachelle there are people who think they are right no matter what...narcissistic
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Ab.So.LUTE.ly!!
Comment from A. Willow Bends
Bravo. How did you keep from publicly humiliating the mother? It would have been the end of my job, I am afraid. I would have finished off with don't let the door hit you in your big ass! (or something to that effect) Yep. I'd have been fired, or resigned before I was fired.
Love this piece. Love it.
Wendy
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Bravo. How did you keep from publicly humiliating the mother? It would have been the end of my job, I am afraid. I would have finished off with don't let the door hit you in your big ass! (or something to that effect) Yep. I'd have been fired, or resigned before I was fired.
Love this piece. Love it.
Wendy
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Although it was my knee-jerk desire, it would not have been in ANYONE's best interest, least of all the children who were watching. It was enough of a conflagration without added kerosene to the mix. I did have private words with her during the break between semesters, though, and she still enrolled Chloe in classes with me until I left, so, challenging as it was, I guess it was the tactic that worked. I definitely did want to verbally eviscerate her that day, though.
Anyway, thank you, Wendy, for your really nice review. xo
Comment from HealingMuse
Hi Rachelle,
Awww, poor little Chloe. That type of abuse by parents must be heart wrenching. I like the letter you composed and sent home for the parents to read. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
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reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Hi Rachelle,
Awww, poor little Chloe. That type of abuse by parents must be heart wrenching. I like the letter you composed and sent home for the parents to read. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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It was an absolutely stunning display. I think the mom thought she was showing Tough Love or something, but that is not what ANYONE there saw. Oy. We were all shell-shocked by it forever.
Anyway, thank you for your review, Jan; you know I always love your feedback. xo
Comment from 24chas
This was another fascinating glimpse into your life, Rachelle. What great lessons you always come up with to share with us, your lucky readers. The story of Chloe was incredible. Unfortunately, if any have been involved with activities involving kids, you see these parent / monsters come out and make themselves known. I love the way you dealt with it. Did Chloe continue with dance? Just curious.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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This was another fascinating glimpse into your life, Rachelle. What great lessons you always come up with to share with us, your lucky readers. The story of Chloe was incredible. Unfortunately, if any have been involved with activities involving kids, you see these parent / monsters come out and make themselves known. I love the way you dealt with it. Did Chloe continue with dance? Just curious.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2019
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Yes, thankfully, she did. And she never had stage fright again at a recital, and her mother sat like a good girl and did not ruin her daughter's special moment. I guess lessons were learned by everyone.
Thank you for asking, and thank you for this lovely review, 24chas. xo
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You life-changer, you! Glad to hear it ended positively.
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Hahaha. Thanks 24chas.