I kept it long mainly for hula reasons. Also because it's easier to restrain when gravity is on my side. Most of the time, however, it's in a braid, because of random gusts of wind and humidity and working with small children.
There's someone else who is known for a long braid, only it's blonde. And animated.
I was made aware of this similarity by a student, just after I started working. I laughed it off. Said student was horribly traumatized when his teacher came into class with a ponytail. "What's wrong with your hair??" (Said student is three and is traumatized once or twice a month.)
The next little girl was so excited she still refers to me as Elsa. She's not quite sure how Miss Rachel and I work together. I have been petitioned to be Princess Anna next week.
It mostly died down, and I continued on my merry, hairy way, until today, when one of my most sensible seven year olds stopped in the middle of her sentence and asked The Question.
"Are you Elsa?"
Yes, I am. I have messy, braided hair and blue eyes; I teach people how to sing in abnormally cold rooms; and I am Supreme Ruler for exactly thirty minutes out of each kid's week. It could be worse.
My other option is the messy bun of pop-singer princess Ariana Grande, adored by preschoolers everywhere, who sing completely inappropriate songs at high volume.
I think I'll stick with the braid.
