May 2026, part 3

 Finishing out May with Naomi's final performance with Centennial State Ballet. It was beautiful and emotional to see all those years of training wrapping up -- it has shaped her and helped her discover parts of herself like nothing else could have -- tough and graceful and driven and brave.

Her first tutu and her last...

I dug out her first pair of ballet slippers

The show, Beauty and the Beast, was at the historic theater downtown.

Tech week rehearsals

Warm up class before the show... It's been amazing to see her growth in confidence over the years, from hiding in the back corners of the warm up class to leading her company as a senior.

I sat in the audience, just soaking it all in. 

...knowing I might not ever have a window into this part of her life again. It's not my journey, but I'm a part of her journey, and so there is a sense of finality for me too.

At the end of the last warm up class they wrapped their circle around her and loved on her

...and we all cried. So grateful for this community.

And for mentors along the way who push and strive for excellence, balanced with love and grace.

There were four M&Ms in middle school; these are the two left. 

Last minute touch ups before hitting stage!

Snuck this quick backstage pic of Naomi ready for her role as "townsperson" 

And during the show from the rafters.

Her big role was Enchanted Rose

This tutu was custom made for her final role and was gorgeous.

Between shows

Waiting backstage

My view from the wings

And just a couple from the audience perspective

Final bows

After the last show they brought Naomi back out and said the most wonderful things about her.

And then one by one the company gave her a rose, from the littlest...

...to the oldest, until her arms were overflowing. 

And one final tearful bow. Naomi said it best -- "I think that I will miss this forever."

...and that ends this era...

Praying over Annika and the other students who went to the DR this summer.

With two of her friends that she's played soccer with over the years.

Asher and Suzi went on the trip too

We didn't have much interaction with her during the trip but did get a random pic now and then. :)