BALLET the 6 letter word that most people think is “cute” when in Reality it is one of the absolute toughest and emotionally brutal sports. Harlow started dancing before she could walk and has taken ballet for over 10 years and I would say it was her 1st love. Up until a year ago no kid loved to dance more than this girl. She returned to in person ballet after a year and a half of virtual lessons she was granted her point shoes at 11 years old. Ironically point was her strength but had a hard time catching up with the regular non point year’s rubric and feeling confident after she broke her shoulder, especially after a long series of cruel and emotionally shattering actions from her academy. I told her she didn’t have to be strong anymore and we could stop no questions asked. But you know what this girl said.... “They have made me feel like a shadow, like nothing, like I’m invisible, they will always think of me now as the one that belongs in the back. But NO I’m going to finish the year and dance in Cinderella and have my best performance ever on stage, then I’ll be done.” And that’s what she did! After her last performance I was back stage volunteering and we were waiting for final bows and I asked her if we could step in the hall so she could take off her mask and take her picture. When we got to the hall the finale music was booming through the walls and all of a sudden without a word Harlow stated dancing, nothing in particular just what she felt. It was one of the happiest and saddest moments I’ve ever experienced as a mom. Sharing this moment because Harlow taught me a lesson on resilience and perseverance on this day but also on knowing when to stop letting people treat you less than your worth. Any moms that are reading this - never stop being an advocate for your child, speak up and don’t be scared to be the “problem” parent or voice your child’s needs and boundaries to anyone in care of your child. I will forever regret allowing her to stay in an unsupportive environment simply because the organization had been deemed “the best”. Going to delete this caption in the days to come and let this moment live as simply a beautiful moment.