Accalia decided she wanted to take dance class at the other dance studio in town almost as soon as we stepped foot inside. Classes at Judi's Dance Studio are taught by Judi (a sweet, older woman) and Lisa (I think we met her - college age). The places was filled with children and parents, but Judi took the time to give me information and to take us on a tour of the studio. It's in an older building than the Academy of Dance where Accalia took lessons earlier. It has two separate rooms - one for tumbling classes and one for ballet. Judi held Accalia's hand the entire time we were walking around, and Accalia was just staring at her adoringly. I think part of it is probably because Judi reminds Accalia of one of her grandmas (except not wearing a velvety pink leotard).

As soon as we left, I asked Accalia which studio she preferred and she said Judi's.
Me: So you want to take classes here?
Accalia: Yup.
Me: It is a little different from the other studio because the parents sit up front and wait while you have class, and I won't be able to look through a window to see you. Are you okay with that?
Accalia: Don't worry, Mommy. I'll be okay!

I do think she'll be okay. When she was taking classes before, she rarely looked at me for reassurance. The only thing is that she won't say her name when asked. She always comes to me and asks me to say it. Which is perfectly fine with me. I just explained to her that I wouldn't be in the room to answer for her, but I would tell the teacher before class started. I think part of it is that Accalia is a little shy about answering questions and part of it is because Accalia doesn't speak as clearly as many kids her age or even younger and sometimes people don't understand her. Her speech is becoming clearer each day, but she wasn't one of those precocious toddlers having full on conversations with anyone and everyone at the age of two.