Rose has started a cool new dance class. It's sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Ballet company, but its focus is modern dance. She'll be training at McCaw hall for six weeks, and then perform on the professional stage. This is similar to a program they did at her school last year but much harder. Each week Rose comes home rather stunned at the teacher's demands. She wants us to do it so fast! she says.

Rose is in slightly over her head, and I think that's good for her. It's true that most of the people in the class have lots more dance experience that her, but with practice at home, she's going to be at speed for the next rehearsal. Rose is usually in situations where things comes easily for her; the teacher paces it to her level; or she tries, finds it too hard, and chooses not to do it. Sticking with this program is going to teach her way more than dance.