Bella, the flexible

 Who knew??

Bella's tumbling coach approached me and mentioned that Bella was super flexible (which we knew but thought "aren't all gymnasts?") and that she knows a contortionist who wanted to meet Bella. Seriously? We were intrigued and amused at the same time- anyone who knows Bella knows that she belongs in a circus most days but never thought we would use the words "contortionist" in a sentence describing our kids! :)

Bella and Elia stretching during their first meeting

 Bella's tumbling coach (red shorts) and Elia seeing what Bella could do.

  

  

Inverted splits!

Such a happy smile!!

The contortionist has become Bella's friend, practice partner and mentor over the last few months. She invited Bella to her weekly practice and treats Bella like a partner in the sport. Its been an amazing opportunity! Bella has always found herself doing these contortion and acro moves on her own- now that she has someone who has guided her to the actual official sport, Bella has finally found her niche and passion and is dedicated to contortion and acro dance. She has come home after hours in the gym and goes straight to her mat for more acro moves! We have to push her to just relax and take a break.

We have since put away the tumbling leotards and dug out (once again) her dance wear. She's in the studio or gym (with her mentor) 4-6 hours a week and loving it so far!