I remember the day that I went to the ballet.

I stamped my foot, stuck out my lip and slouched to my Mothers utter consternation.

Now Jane come here, now what is this about?

My anger boiled so hot that I nearly did shout!

Mum I dont belong here with these Gents' and their Ladies

Dressed in their silks, hats covered with daisies.

With their fine airs and noses turned skyward.

Holding it like that must make it tired.

No thanks,thats not who I wish to be.

Besides Mother its just a Stupid Dance whats in it for me!

I want to go home and just be me.

To wear brothers trousers.

To play in the street!

Oh Mother don't make me, dont make me go what a laughing stock I will be.

Mother Looked skyward in contemplative thought then said "No, Jane your coming with me!"

We trudged through the street and borded the underground.

Soon arrived at the Opera House.

I was right there were ladies in silk and men in top hats just like I thought.

Then I saw another group They looked rather like we did plain cotton dresses the best we had neatly patched yet clean.

We Walked to our seats and it took quite a while to get to the 100th row.

We were crowded into some of the only remaining seats cramped next to our fellow midling and lower class fellows.

Then the Music Began and the curtain lifted the dancers came out and I admit they truly were gifted.

Never had I been to a place where emotions ran so strong, Nary was there a dry eye in the room including my own!

I was swept away by the beauty the artistry and the splendor.

The love and the joy

The sorrow and anger.

The characters became friends and enemies of mine and I hated some and loved others.

Then the Ballet Ended it was almost enough to make me weep so touching the story that I hadnt wanted to see!

My mother turned to me and said "Jane dear did you notice your lack of finery during the Ballet?

"No Mother"

"During the Ballet did you feel out of place."

"No Mother"

"Do you think that only rich people should experience the Ballet?"

"Ohh no Mother Everyone should come!"

"Why dont they?"

"Perhaps because they feel out of place?"

"You Mean like I did"

"Exactly"

Never limit yourself because we don't have money

Not having Money alone is enough to limit you!

Grace and a Ladies spirit are free to those who chose to adopt it and dont ever think you can't fit in you can fit in.

You can be every bit a lady as those fine ladies if you chose to.

And we left!

That was the Day I went to the Ballet.

It changed my life.