I've been itching for weeks to post these photos! And now that the recital is done and the surprise has surprised--here are some lovely pictures for y'all wonderful people! Back in May, I photographed Artistic Dance Academy's senior company as a surprise gift for their beloved instructors, Mrs. Patricia and Mrs. Crystal! These girls are on their way to make their marks in this huge world! All of them have great things ahead of them and hearts full of love & grace! I was in tears with them at their last recital last weekend! I've watched all these girls dance their hearts out across that stage for 7 years (both recital & Dance for Christ) now and they have grown into strong, beautiful dancers and even stronger young women. Good luck all of you as you take over this world with your faith and grace!

Hearts for Dance

Since the spring, Tess Allen has been planning a dance workshop. A dance workshop for those who would not otherwise, ever put on a tutu (to sleeping in their tutus), ballet shoes and tightly wrap a bun on their head. Hearts for Dance sponsored 12 hispanic girls, ages 3-10, from Wayne County and made all their ballerina dreams come true. With the help of my mom, Saralynn, along with Kelly Pfau, Hannah Neiman, Michelle Estrada, Tess' mom, Donna Allen, and the studios of Artistic Dance Academy this workshop became an inspirational week for all. Tess shared her love of God, dance, and her compassion with these 12 girls, and I do believe it shows in grand amounts.

Tess gained 12 little friends this week. From lessons on the bar, to learning choreography, eating healthy snacks, coloring, and playing "freeze dance," she truly earned the love of all these little ballerinas.

To see the article from the Goldsboro News-Argus, please visit "Ballet Dreams" by Ken Fine.

Psalm 149:3-"Let them praise His name with dancing!"