Clapping like crazy
Last night we went to Kooza by Cirque du Soleil (can't recommend it enough). It was amazing. Drew and I had gone to a show a long time ago and just loved it so when we found out they were in town again it was heartbreaking to see the ticket prices and know that we shouldn't go. But we managed to get discounted tickets (which were still expensive but more reasonable) and decided that it was something be both really wanted to do. Anyway, I wasn't sure how Hannah would do, sure it is filled with action and people in costumes and you don't even need to understand the story to really enjoy it.. but sometimes those things aren't enough for a little kid. In this case it was, we were actually near many little kids in the audience (I guess that's expected with the cheap seats) but you would never have known once the show started. Not one of them kicked my seat, not one of them whined or talked or cried.. not even mine :)
At first Hannah sat watching with wide eyes, showing concern and confusion, but as the night progressed I would look over and see a bright smile on her face or see her laughing (sometimes when no one else was, but who cares), and during really impressive acts (that didn't make her freeze in fear that the person was going to get hurt) she would clap like crazy sitting straight up in her seat. Intermission came and Hannah turned to me and said, "I want to see more." At the end, when the crowd stood to give a standing ovation, I picked Hannah up so she could watch the performers give their bows. And on the way out of the tent Hannah did a graceful toe pointed step as we worked our way back outside. I asked Hannah what her favorite part was... turn out not to be the action or the amazing costumes but the character she could relate to.. the main character... The Innocent. I think we could all relate to The Innocent during this performance, watching in awe as so many amazing things happen before our eyes.