22nd February- 6 Years On

Christchurch has been through a lot.

Last week was very scary as the fire on the Port Hills raged.

A lot of our families come from Halswell, Hoon Hay and the other suburbs surrounding the hills. I know of one family who were evacuated and numerous others who had bags packed ready to go. It was such a relief when the fire was brought under control! Our hearts break for the family of Hero Pilot Steve Askin who died fighting the flames, as well as for those who have lost their homes.

This comes around the same time as the 6 year anniversary of the Feb 22nd Christchurch Earthquake. This is a date that will live in our hearts forever.

Although it has been many years, I still have children come to me who have effects from the trauma of the earthquake- high anxiety, especially in new situations; reluctance to leave their parent; trouble at school; finding it hard to make friends; lack of self-confidence...it's really important to give these quake-affected kids a lot of TLC.

They need extra time to warm up to the class structure when they first join with lots of encouragement.

There is no rush for mum or dad to have to leave the room- it's often very comforting for them to have a parent there for a hug if they need it.

Building the relationship between the child and myself is extra important, even though it might take longer for them to warm up to me.

Building friendships with the other children may also take more time, so I make sure to buddy them up with a friend who is gentle and kind.

It's so wonderful to see these children find safety and security in the environment we create in Amelia's Ballerinas. No matter what happens outside of dance class- whether it's earthquakes or fires, or whatever else might get thrown at us!- my ballerina always have a safe space to come where they can forget about their worries and enjoy the magic of dance