12

_KIMBERLY_

"Yes, saute," I instructed. "Relax your bodies and bend at the knees slightly. If it's hard on the knees, do it slower and use the barres for support."

I didn't expect the kids to have a hard time after having done arabesques pretty well the last time we met. Well, I should not put myself on a high horse because I also found sautes a bit difficult the first time I tried them.

They are kids. They needed time and care and I had the patience; but most were straining themselves and it was worrisome. Sending children home with strained muscles and throbbing joints was not on my to-do list.

"Remember the fluid, relaxed movements talk we had earlier," I said  reminded.

"But we are not flexible enough," Whitney whined.

"You don't have to be flexible in ballet. It's an advantage but not a need. With enough practice, you'll be able to master the positions even though some of them need some degree of flexibility." I smiled