First of all, I cannot believe how long it has taken me to get around to this post: perhaps the most poignant and proud memories I have of growing up in Darien revolve around “Walter Schalk.”

My experience started with Ballroom Dancing in 5th and 6th grade, which not only armed me with the basic foxtrot and waltz steps that have enabled me to cut quite the rug at formals and weddings through the years, but also provided me with a structured way to “socialize” with the boys, and they with us girls.  I vividly remember my hands sweating in my little white golves as I sat across the room from the boys wondering if the one I had a crush on was going to pick me to be his partner for that dance.  When he didn’t but his friend did, it created all kinds of 5th grader drama … and was followed by hours of listening to “He’s A Pretender” over and over again on the Madonna “Like A Virgin” album .  Ahh, the heartache of youth …

In 7th grade, I began taking the All Girl Musical Comedy class, and continued all the way through my junior year loving EVERY minute of it. But here’s what I want to impress upon everyone:  these classes (ballroom, musical comedy, etc) are for ANYBODY.  Literally, if your child can count, they can do these dances.  And that’s what I think is so fabulous about the program (it’s true for all of Walter’s classes): every student, even the ones with 2 left feet, have the opportunity to learn a routine, wear a fabulous costume, and perform on stage in a broadway-quality production that is unique to Walter Schalk.

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(( HOLLA )) to Meg at FairfieldCountyChild.com for bringing this to my attention!!  It’s a FREE Directory of 25 preschools in the FFC area, including Darien, and is something I know many of you (or your friends, pass it along!) will find extremely useful.  For more information, click HERE.

Please feel free to post additions, reviews or other commentary about the schools in the directory (or others not listed) here, so we can benefit from our collective wisdom

I did have the pleasure of speaking with a few of our local preschool teachers  earlier this year and got some inside scoop on what it’s all about around here, which I will share soon.

UPDATED: 10/30/08

HOORAY FOR HALLOWEEN IN DOWNTOWN DARIEN!

We’re reaching the final countdown to trick-or-treat time, so in case you’re not yet sure about your plans for tomorrow, keep in mind the first annual “Darien Merchants Treat Day.” This is SUCH a fun idea — participating stores will be offering treats to kids who come in costume!  A great way to do a little shop-and-treating without the guilt

If you haven’t already heard about the 14th Annual DCA Mom’s Morning In Halloween Parade, it’s happening downtown at 10AM: starting at the Darien Fire Station and parading through town to Tilley Pond, where there will be additional festivity and a magic show.

During the day and as part of the parade, Robeks Juice of Darien will be providing delicious samples of pumpkin-flavored alternatives to candy, so make sure to drop in either on your way over to the parade or on your way back from Tilley.  ((Did you know you can cut through the parking lot behind Robeks and get to Tilley Pond?))

And, for last-minute Halloween items ranging from fun wigs and light-up jewelry to house decorations, candles and treats, check out the Rainbow Shoppe’s first ever Halloween Sale, where all Halloween merchandise is 50% off today, tomorrow and Saturday.  Those of you who are subscribers to the Insider Alert caught Jan’s most recent Fabulous Find and should be reminded that the last day to order a pair of those adorable girls’ and womens’ monogrammed clogs in time for Christmas, exclusively available at the Rainbow Shoppe, is tomorrow October 31st!

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