The Caribbean Amphibian

Yesterday, after school, Charlie and I drove up to Hayward.  We always stay in a Quality Inn in Castro Valley.  A very odd place to feel like home, but we've been coming up here since Ian and Sarah moved to Hayward - and have stayed here for at least 3 or 4 years.

Today was the reason for the drive - the Caribbean Amphibian dance.  Harriet and her friend were to be in a recital.  She  has been learning tap and ballet through a program at her nursery school.  The dance teachers, however, come from a dance school that really is quite serious about getting kids into the "business".  The recital wasn't just a pack of 4 year olds dancing their little hearts out.  Most of the recital (the program had 8 pages filled with all the dances for the day!!) were students who were rather advanced.  The program broke into three sets of dance types - tap (which were quite enjoyable), non-en-pointe ballet (which I have never been a huge fan of - lots of sad music, flowing raggedy gowns, and floor moves), and hip-hop (which I found I quite enjoyed - knock me out!).  There were a few numbers for the youngest dancers.  Harriet and her partner were in the second half of the show - they were a real hit!  One group in the first half - semi-dancing to a number I believe was called "Lucy Ladybug" seemed too traumatic for one member of the troupe.  She stood on stage and bawled her eyes out the entire number.  We went out for a great Chinese dinner tonight for a celebration.  Our little dancer - frog lady - was so exhausted she actually fell off her chair.

We drive home tomorrow.  Photos above