Reese has been into the Little Mermaid since Christmas. She got the new Little Mermaid: Ariel's beginning for Christmas and for Valentine's Day I got her the one about Ariel's daughter Melody. Now, all of her dolls names are Melody. I catch her singing along to the movie and in her room on any given day or time, and yes, that includes late at night!
So, when I saw that the Bridges Auditorium was putting on the ballet of the "Little Mermaid" I thought what a great way to bring the two loves in her life together. I bought tickets for us and our neighbors who happen to be our best friends.
We began the day with taking the girls to downtown Claremont. We ate at a cute little restaurant called Harvard Square located in the Village. It was the perfect place to eat before the ballet, since most of the restaurant was filled with excited little girls and mothers filling their tummies for an unforgettable mother-daughter afternoon.
Reese and Jordyn posing!
As we arrived, we took pictures outside and inside the Auditorium and the girls got a mermaid doll as a souvenir. Then we went to look for our seats. We ended up in the middle section about 11 rows back from the stage and it turned out that the two rows in front of us ended up being empty. I was so glad that I didn't splurge and by premier seats (having taken my kindergartners there for field trips, I knew every seat was just about a good one).
I bought a program that told of their version of the "Little Mermaid". I read that to Reese so she would understand the ballet otherwise I knew that she would ask questions as they danced. I loved that the artistic director came out with some of the cast and explained to the kids what certain hand motions and movements meant. I think that also helped the parents explain to their kids what was happening.
At intermission, we went out for some water and snacks and that's when my sweet little girl turned into a devil. She wanted a certain kind of candy and I told her that we were getting a different type. She wanted the other kind because her friend was getting it. I told her we are getting this kind instead. Well, she didn't like that and threw herself on the ground and began screaming. I picked her up to take her to the car and she began yelling, screaming and hitting me. We sat in the car until she calmed down. Eventually, when she understood why she was taken the car, calmed down and apologized, we returned to the play.
I have to say that despite the melt-down, I had a great time and loved the scenery and how they brought the movie to life through ballet. If any of you love the ballet, the
Inland Pacific Ballet is a great place and price to check out.
