By Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance WriterFOR TERRY Hall her relationship with her daughters is connected by a common interest - dancing. Through dancing, the circle of three is bounded by love and friendship, enabling them to draw on each other for courage and strength. In fact, the relationship Hall has with her two daughters mirrors the very spirit of dancing.
Just as how the art is filled with well-choreographed moves perfected by balance and strength, this trio's equilibrium depends on each giving full support of love and care.
Mrs. Hall, who is the principal of her own accounting firm, has been a dancer almost all her life. Having started ballet classes reluctantly at age four, she managed to convince her parents to allow her to stop dancing. However, at age 12, she was once again drafted into the world of dancing. Now, as a mother, Hall's daughters, Leanne and Nicole age 10 and 12 years old respectively, are dancing with her as members of the Tony Wilson Dance Ensemble.
During the interview, Hall often emphasised that she has not forced any of her daughters to dance. She is, however, grateful
that they both go to dance rehearsals and their views on each other's performances have contributed tremendously to the rewarding relationship she now shares with them. "We have something to talk about, worry about... it's the package deal. I can't imagine it being any other way," said Hall.
MAKE AN EFFORT
She said that parents should make an effort to do an activity with their children and should support them through their ventures. "Find out what it is in your children's lives that makes them tick. Encourage and support them because they learn so much from you being there." Hall added that although she is a disciplinarian she gets "tears as much as I get hugs".
Leanne, who Hall describes as warm and affectionate, started dancing at age two. "From I was in diapers," said Leanne laughing. After watching her mother and Nicole at dance rehearsals one evening she said she decided to give dancing a try. "I liked how my sister danced," she said. "Dance is fun, I like the rhythms, the steps," said Leanne.
For Leanne, sharing a common interest with her sister and mother is helpful as they can assist her with steps she does not understand. The best part of dancing she said are the shows. Leanne recalled her favourite show; 'Highlights' that was held three years ago. With a girlish grin and starring at her mother, Leanne said that that concert is one of her most favourite moments since dancing as "although I didn't know the dance properly, I got to dance with my mamma".
Times such as these, Hall referred to as special. Not only because she is dancing with her daughters but also the times spent together practising are precious and assists in strengthening their relationship. "Dancing brings us closer together," said Nicole.
Within the Tony Wilson dance ensemble Leanne is at Level Four of the junior category. At St. Hugh's Preparatory where she attends school, she sings on the choir, plays netball, plays the piano and is a Brownie.
For Nicole, she started dancing at four years old. Similar to Leanne's story, Nicole saw her mommy dancing and liked it. She noted that mothers should find the opportunity to do activities with their children as this establishes a bond. "The bond between my mother and I is sort of close." During this statement Leanne interrupted and remarked "'Sort of' - They tell each other everything".
RELAX AND FEEL FREE
Nicole added that dancing is also important to her as this activity makes her relax and feel free. At St. Andrew High for Girls, where Nicole is a student, she does synchronised swimming, swimming and plays the piano.
The special friendship between mother and daughters have been extended to their father. Hall noted that their father has his own bonding activity with the girls - swimming. "That's their time with him (when they swim) I just sit and watch," she said.
