Jazz Star

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Here are some photos from Kaijah's Jazz Recital. The show was called 'Traffic Designer"...no idea why but artsy folks can be bizarre....The first half of the show was essentially a recital and the second half was a professional dance troupe. It was kind of a nice way of doing things. Kaijah looked amazing and did an incredible job! I think she is a natural on stage! She was the only one with "Toubab" enough parents I guess because she was the only one who got flowers. Her dance mates were blown away by her hair. Her dance was second so she got to sit with us and watch the rest of the show afterwards.

After a particularly fun hip-hop number Keagan said, “That was awesome; I wish that dance would never end.” Then, the classical music started and he said in a very sarcastic, yet monotone voice, “Oh, yea….more ballet!”

There was a Michael Jackson number of course, and about half way through that Kaijah leaned over to me and said, “Mama, I don’t really understand why they all keep grabbing their privates!” Later she said, “You know Mama, if you are a Christian, this type of dancing could really be a problem for you; in fact, I have a real problem with this!” YOU GO GOOD GIRL!!! Now, if only I can hear that from her lips when she is 15!

Friday at dinner, Kaijah just stared at her flowers and finally said, “Every time I look at my flowers I just feel so happy inside!”

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Photos

First Mustache Removal
Getting ready for the big event. Kaijah decided she would brave depilatory for the first time! She was a champ - although when we did her legs and painted toes and fingernails, she kept screaming, "Ooowww, beauty is pain! Beauty is pain!"

Getting Ready
Mame Kollie put orange mesh in Kaijah's hair. I stayed up until 2 a.m. curling it with a curling iron! The things we do for our children that they will never understand or fully appreciate...when you're 40, you need your beauty rest more than you do when you are 20!

Cat Pose
I thought with the orange and black combo hair and clothes, and the silver nails and toes, she could make for a good cat...

Strike a Pose
She has two poses in her dance; this is one of them....

Looking a Little Bit Beyonce
Kaijah looked at herself in the mirror and said, "I feel so much like a teenager!"

Kaijah and Soriya
This is one of Kaijah's friends from school. She is also in jazz, but the second level class. Kaijah did ballet in the USA, but seemed to be getting bored with it so we switched to jazz. Now I'm looking for a place she can do traditional African dance.

Kaijah and Leila
Backstage...

Kaijah and Fans
Backstage...

Mama and Crew Backstage
Being backstage...brings back so many memories!

Kaijah's Dance Class
It was too dark for me to get any shots during the actual dance, but this is backstage beforehand. L to R: Aiga, Kaijah, Maggie, Maxine, Fleur, Loraine

Spectator Support
Daddy and DJ

Spectator Support 2
Leila - killing time watching Dora on the iPod

Spectator Support 3
Mama and Keagan

Kaijah and Her Flowers
You would not believe how difficult it was to come by the fresh flowers in Dakar! Now that I know where to get them, next time will be much easier!

Tonton Esperance
You know how famous we are for adopting Tontons...Senegal is no exception. Esperance works with me at World Vision and is one of my nearest and dearest; he has been such a help to us. I was very impressed that he came to support Kaijah. He is always so tired and works crazy hours; and, it cost a pretty penny to get in! So, we really appreciated his presence.

Comments

[jacquie]

Good Pics
Thanks for sharing. That was enjoyable!