Tumbling and Twirling

Lola has been taking ballet for six months now and still seems to love it. Her teacher, Miss Johanna, is this fabulous 60ish Dutch woman with a waist-long braid and metallic neon leotards. She's elegant, patient, and treats the girls like little grownups. She teaches them the correct terminology for their moves so they know a pirouette from a plie. They love her.

Locke began taking gymnastics in September and he's proven himself to be a talented tumbler. His teacher, Miss Joan, is less of a character than Miss Johanna, but she has a similarly impressive gift of patience, combined with the charisma to keep the kids focused and excited about what they're learning. Locke has learned to do front and back rolls, donkey kicks (a precursor to hand stands), and walk on the balance beam. Lola is joining Locke in the class this session, which began today. She should catch on fast since she spent each of Locke's classes watching intently through the window and then practicing the moves at home.

Here are some pictures from their classes. Lola is third from the left in the picture at the bar.