I come from a quiet little town, the kind of place where everything feels familiar and simple — but not always full of opportunity. So watching my daughter, just nine years old, walk onto the stage of the National Theater in Valencia felt like watching a piece of magic unfold. She wasn’t just performing. She was living something she’d worked for, something she’d dreamed about with that fire kids have when they know exactly what they love. It hit me in the chest like a slow, beautiful wave: this small-town girl was dancing her heart out in front of red velvet curtains, under professional lights, on a stage that felt larger than life.
You don’t get to a stage like that by dreaming alone. That’s the truth no one tells you when your kid first says, “I want to dance.” It’s not glitter and applause — it’s hours of rehearsals, scraped knees, skipped birthday parties, and saying “no” to things other kids get to say “yes” to. For her, it means training even when she's tired, pushing through the fear of not being good enough, and holding onto grace when the spotlight feels too bright. And for me, as her mom, it means being the quiet engine behind all of it — the rides, the costumes, the emotional support, the reminders that every great performance starts with a thousand tiny moments of invisible effort.
What people see is the performance — the spinning, leaping, smiling little girl who seems fearless. But what I see is the version of her that nobody claps for: the early mornings, the frustration when something doesn't click, the determination in her eyes when it finally does. I know what it took for her to get here. I know the courage it takes to keep choosing dance every single day, even when it’s hard, even when she’s just a kid trying to grow up in a world that often asks too much. And somehow, she always chooses it. That’s what amazes me most.
Standing in the theater, watching her light up onstage, I felt something I can’t fully explain — a mixture of pride and awe, and also this quiet understanding that she’s beginning to write her own story. That’s the part that gets me emotional. We give so much as mothers — our time, our energy, pieces of ourselves we sometimes don’t even notice are missing. But moments like these? They remind us why. They remind us that helping our children build something they love is one of the few investments in life that’s truly worth it. You see them fly, and you remember that every bit of the sacrifice meant something.
So no, we’re not from a fancy city or a family with endless means. We’re from a modest town, where the roads are dusty and dreams sometimes feel a little too big. But my daughter’s feet have danced their way past every boundary I once worried about. She’s proof that passion, discipline, and a whole lot of love can carry you further than anyone expects. And as her mom, I’ll be there for every single step — cheering from the wings, holding the camera, and bursting with pride every time she takes the stage.
All photographs and content used in this post are my own. Therefore, they have been used under my permission and are my property.
I hope you find success in guiding and raising your child, especially in today’s times when parenting comes with great challenges. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
I believe, always has been a challenge for all time parents to raising children. But thank your for your honest words, friend.
Congratulations to your daughter. I know that feeling mommy @chris-chris92. Mixed of pride and happiness. For sure while holding your camera and taking video your crying for joy. Just support your daughter what she loves. Have a wonderful day 🥰
I did, I will keep doing! Thanks, @katiekate86!
Your daughter is truly amazing, not just for dancing on stage but for her hard work and determination and heart. You are an incredible mom for standing by her through it all. Your story inspire me, It shows how big dreams can grow even in small towns.
Please follow your motherhood core and support your kiddo.
felicidades, que lindo todo!
Gracias linda, gracias.
All efforts for the children are worthwhile. Your child has put a lot of work and dedication to reach that audience. My congratulations to your daughter and to you who are by her side to support her.
Greetings @chris-chris92
Thank you, @mafalda2018 as a single mom but as a woman, I appreciate your kind words, thank-you
I really admire kids that are participating in any events in school and in community. Because i myself hav'nt done it in my childhood. Im so shy and my parents never tried to push me or to incourage me to join in any events. I realize that what if they support me and lift me up so that i can join back then, will i be able to attend those events? But its all in the past i am confident now but not in dancing. 😅
Well, love, @leyzel if you want a friend who listen to and back you up, here I am. Text me, honey. And thanks for stopping by