Since my younger son, Carsten was born, he hasn’t stopped moving. Even as a baby, he was not content to sit still. He hated the baby swing or being left alone even for a few minutes. When he was about six months old, my mom said, “When he can move on his own, he will be much happier.” He started walking at eleven months old and showed great athleticism as a toddler.
I agree. I tell people I knew my children's gifts at a very early age. His was gymnastics and my other son's was music. Both of them started music and movement classes when they were 6 months old. Being a teacher has its perks! I knew I wanted children and summers give me the extra time with them.
I loved reading about your son. I think was is the best part is that his grandma understood something about him when he was six months old. . .he loved to be on the move! Who knows where he will go? Thank you for highlighting Carsten. When our children do things that amaze us, it is a good thing to pass it on so that we can be amazed also.
Love this! I wonder how many people reading this (who grew up on/near the West Side of Des Moines) also took dancing lessons with Betty Hill studios! I did! Though I had nothing near the talent that Carsten possesses (but I did love the costumes!).
I meet people all the time who said they took classes from Debbie. Debbie is still there as director and very involved with every single detail. This year was the 43rd year of Dance Magic at the Civic Center. I don't know of any other studio that gets to perform at the Civic Center. I can't imagine what that feels like! I performed on stages in high school, but nothing like the Civic Center.
I actually took lessons from Betty Hill herself! (Yes, it was that long ago!). And we got to dance at the KRNT theatre, which was a beautiful old theater in Des Moines back in the day. It was so glamorous to us! So great to hear that this great tradition continues.
I love this story! You rejoice in his need to move and his talent.
A thought: under other circumstances, he could have been called a troublemaker in school classes, which would have been tragic.
Thank goodness everyone celebrates his gift and he can enjoy his amazing talent. Wise grandma and mom.
I agree. I tell people I knew my children's gifts at a very early age. His was gymnastics and my other son's was music. Both of them started music and movement classes when they were 6 months old. Being a teacher has its perks! I knew I wanted children and summers give me the extra time with them.
Thank you for sharing all of this joy with us, Jane. Carsten is an amazing young man. You are an amazing mom!
Thank you!
I loved reading about your son. I think was is the best part is that his grandma understood something about him when he was six months old. . .he loved to be on the move! Who knows where he will go? Thank you for highlighting Carsten. When our children do things that amaze us, it is a good thing to pass it on so that we can be amazed also.
Both of my children are so talented, but of course, every mother thinks their children are special!
Love this! I wonder how many people reading this (who grew up on/near the West Side of Des Moines) also took dancing lessons with Betty Hill studios! I did! Though I had nothing near the talent that Carsten possesses (but I did love the costumes!).
Great story, Jane!
I meet people all the time who said they took classes from Debbie. Debbie is still there as director and very involved with every single detail. This year was the 43rd year of Dance Magic at the Civic Center. I don't know of any other studio that gets to perform at the Civic Center. I can't imagine what that feels like! I performed on stages in high school, but nothing like the Civic Center.
I actually took lessons from Betty Hill herself! (Yes, it was that long ago!). And we got to dance at the KRNT theatre, which was a beautiful old theater in Des Moines back in the day. It was so glamorous to us! So great to hear that this great tradition continues.
I just read on the paperwork for the new school year, it's the 69th year of Betty Hill Dance.
What a legacy!
That's amazing! Debbie's son, John, is there as an instructor for the boys.
A delightful story!
So inspirational!