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| Cake. |
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| Bhindi |
We sent out invitations that I made using a silhouette of a bellydancer that I found online. I didn't want any actual bellies on the card. Once again Madison chose to collect donations to a charity for her birthday; this year the SPCA benefited from her friends' generosity.
The girls arrived at Get Bent Arts and Recreation Centre and were given bhindis to adorn their fresh little faces. I was told these would not fall off when the girls got sweaty, but we did have to replace a few.
Next our party hostess, Nicole, led the guests in over an hour of activities. First they were allowed to adorn themselves in finery and jinglery from the costume box. They learned some basic moves and practiced a routine until it was performance-ready, intermingled with fun and silly games and exercises. They had a blast! There was much wiggling, "popping", and sashaying around the studio. When they were ready, they proudly performed the final production for the camera.
Everyone had worked up an appetite, so they adjourned to the cake area. Madison had requested a chocolate cake, and I had also prepared fruit with dip, coloured popcorn, and turkish delight (which was devoured in record time). Hunger slaked and thirst quenched, the guests chatted and giggled over the remains of the food until the parents began arriving to collect their little dancers. Moms eagerly joined the last of the festivities, while more than one Dad decided to wait outside.
As we bid farewell to the guests, we passed out goodie bags. Each one included a simply made coin scarf, a pack of "dessert" gum, and chocolate coins tied with a gold twist. Get Bent also had pamphlets to hand out to the girls in case any of them are inspired with an idea for one of their own birthdays in the future.
Madison had a lovely time, and her friends were all smiles. A success!
