Thank You!

There's nothing like a nice thank you note, don't you agree?  I know they're a bit of a rarity these days, but I still enjoy writing them, and I definitely enjoy receiving them!  How cute is this thank you card from Olive and Zoe, my two 12 Dancing Princesses ballerina birthday girls from last month?  

It's super sweet, right? I wanted to share it here and also express my thanks to you readers for my lack of consistent blogging lately.  We're in the process of giving our website and blog a little makeover, so please bear with me as we make that transition.  I hope to have our new site up and running soon!  Check back every so often, I think you'll love our new look!  Thanks!

12 Dancing Princesses Slipper Craft

The 12 Dancing Princesses Party I did a few weeks ago was a blast!  Everything came together in a way that made the afternoon really magical, sweet, and tons of fun.  One source of inspiration was Su Blackwell's The Fairy Tale Princess book, with beautiful artwork and illustrations, and the tale of 12 Dancing Princesses.  For the craft portion of the party, it was decided that each of the guests would get their own 11x17 canvas to decorate a pair of slippers however they saw fit! (I've seen ideas for painting parties on Pinterest, looks like so much fun)!
Are you ready for this craftyness?!  Here's how it went down...

I traced out a pair of slippers first in pencil on each
of the canvases, then later (once I was done erasing
my mistakes and boo boos) outlined the slippers with
a thin Sharpie.

Then I colored the slippers in with my chosen colors and
glued ribbons and added a border and few other decorations.
This canvas served as the example for the guests...

The kids creations came out all so different and wonderful!
With the addition of sparkly jewels, foamie hearts and glittery
flowers, they were beautiful works of art!

I was so thrilled with how this craft turned out.  The kids had a blast and were happy to take home their own piece of artwork; it was a special keepsake to remember a wonderful day!

Learning from the Arts

Growing up dance, art, and music was a part of my daily life; it was something I loved, and I was lucky enough to have parents who not only shared my interests, but promoted them.  Now, as a teacher, I love to spout the benefits of art in education.  It's very clear to me how valuable the arts are to not only supplement education, but to jumpstart and encourage the academic endeavors students undertake at any age, whether they're 3 or 18. 
It's always nice to read more on this subject, since it's one that's near and dear to my heart, and last week The Washington Post published this article on Top 10 Skills Children Learn From The Arts, and I wanted to share it here since I thought it makes some great points and reminders that in an ever increasing 'right brain world' that loves technology, the arts, and the skills they provide, can sometimes be lost.  Kids should be able to have as many opportunities as they can get to become successful individuals, and having art in their lives is one sure fire way to encourage their creativity, adaptability, and confidence.
Think dance education should be a regular part of kids lives? There's a new petition, which can be found here, that all US children have access to dance education, at all levels of schooling.  I'll be signing! How about you?!