Begin Again

I attended an "Onstage New York" dance competition for my granddaughter, Madelynn, who is nine. Her group was one of the last ones to perform. This competition was held in the Salt Palace next to a tatoo convention--difficult to find if one was not familiar with the Salt Palace. Madelynn danced on stage with her group to the tune of "Pack it Up." The girls wore frilly red dresses and carried little picnic baskets. They began a well reheared routine when suddenly a latecomer dashed on stage, trying to blend in, but upsetting the routine. The music stopped and the announcer asked the girls to start over. The parents clapped, showing their support as the girls marched off. Minutes later the girls danced back on, performed their routine without a hitch, and the audience cheered. The little girls may not remember their dance, but they learned a valuable life lesson: it's okay to begin again.