My daughter, Julia, known by everyone as "J", started dance class when she was 5 years old. She loved dancing, so we were excited to see how she would do in the class. She had her moments, good and bad, sometimes into it, sometimes not. The big disappointment was that she refused to go on stage for the recital both of the first 2 years. So, for the 3rd year, we put together a plan with Miss Paula, the studio owner, to help J overcome her stage fright. For starters, we recruited our babysitter, Kait, also a student at this studio, to help J backstage. The night before the show, my wife, Carolyn, spent a great deal of time with J during the rehearsal. Of course, we were constantly pumping J up with positive vibes. So, the big day came and we were feeling good, but still not sure what would happen. We sat in the audience, filled with hundreds of people, with nervous anticipation. It was now time for J's group to perform and, once again, she didn't come out. Our hearts sunk, but Miss Paula was not ready to concede. J was in the wings, in Kait's arms, and Paula called Kait over to her perch in front of the stage. J was clinging on to Kait for dear life and did not seem interested in talking to Paula. The scene was truly amazing, as the entire show stopped while this drama played out at the front of the stage you could hear a pin drop. It seemed like this went on for an eternity and we felt utterly helpless. Finally, Paula instructed Kait to sit down on the stage with J, behind the other girls. I thought, "Okay, at least she'll be on stage, which might help for next time". The music started and the girls began their dance. The whole time, Kait never stopped talking to J. After a little while I noticed that J was making all of the gestures that the other girls were making essentially doing the dance while sitting on her butt. They all started making quarter turns, and J did the same on the floor. As she came around to complete the turn, Kait picked her up and J just kept dancing on her feet. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The crowd went nuts! J finished the dance and, when it was over, acted like this was all normal. I don't want to overstate this accomplishment, but it felt like a miracle. My eyes were far from dry, and I know I was not the only one. I couldn't possibly describe how proud and amazed I was mostly by the courage and character of my girl, but also by the actions of Paula and Kait and the shared experience with the entire audience. To this day, six years later, I still get a little choked up when I tell this story. I'm a proud and very lucky Dad, indeed.