When you think “kid”, you think about how cute they are when they learn something new, like ride a bike or learn to read. Skip. Brush their own teeth. Maybe even do a cartwheel.
But then there’s Kina.
Seeing Kina move in her poetic, effortless, athletic way… I forget she is only 12. Twelve! All I see is a talented dancer. Like a seasoned athlete, Kina was able to make mesmerizing shapes during her photoshoot with the challenges nature and I gave her…
Fit inside a hole in the rock, make inspiring shapes, and don’t mind the red fire ants. Done. Climb to the top of that giant rock, go to the edge, and create interesting lines…oh, and try not to fall to your death. Check.
And when we hopped over to location #2 for some grassy, playground photos, the sun had disappeared and the wind picked up, leaving the temperature 25 degrees cooler. And she was in a leotard. Dance elegantly and pretend you’re not freezing. I was shivering. For Kina, no problem.
The part that gives me butterflies and makes my eyes water (they’re leaking as I’m writing this) is that I’ve known this amazing person since she was a baby! She was the cutest little chubby-cheeked baby with a full set of dark curly hair. Now with her talent mixed with hard work and dedication, she is dancing with the best of them and learning from famous choreographers.
I am in awe.
