Every competition starts with the cheer, "D. D. 4. L."! Every person, in every audience, at every event is yelling, to the point of hoarseness...."D.D.4.L"! Posts on Social Media scream..."D.D.4.L."!
Followers sit in front of their TV's on Friday night and blast the room with the chant..."D.D.4.L."!
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But what the heck does that mean? To the average person, not from Jackson, Mississippi, it means, they have totally fallen in love with the Dancing Dolls and Dianna Williams...they never miss a show, or the record it for later. They buy T-shirts...they blow up Social Media, with likes and support for anything Dolls.
To the people in Jackson, Mississippi, who know what has happened to Dianna Williams, small town dance teacher, it means tremendous pride and joy. Pride that she has brought a positive focus on Jackson and joy, that a girl who is from there, has made it big.
But for the parents and students of the Dollhouse Dance Factory, "D.D.4.L.", means so much more. Long before there was a TV Show called "Bring It", there were girls in Jackson, Mississippi, who wanted to dance. Along with those girls, were loving, dedicated parents who just wanted to give their daughters, the best opportunities possible.
Regina Lewis, our next DDP, is one of those dedicated parents. who bleed, "D.D.4.L"! Regina's daughter, Akia is one of the graduating Seniors at the Dollhouse and her daughter Ilayna, 3 yrs old, will be joining the Baby Dolls in just a couple of years. Ilayna already tries to do the dances she sees. Loving to be the center of attention, Regina knows she will do great as a part of the Dolls, when it is her turn.
When I first got involved with the Dancing Dolls, over a year ago, this lovely lady was my first point of contact. I met her through emails while signing up for the Dallas Majorette Camp, last year. One of Ms. Regina Lewis' other jobs is helping Dianna out in the office, at the Dollhouse Dance Factory.
She is employed full time and goes to school, in her quest to be a Social Worker. She also is married and has a full time job, as a mom. But, with all of that, she has still managed to be sure her kids have all opportunities possible and get to do things they love to do.
Regina told DDS Nation Blog that when Akia was little, it was hard to get her involved in every activity. Being a single parent was tough financially, she said. When she met her loving and supportive husband in 2007, she told us things changed for the better. Her husband encouraged Akia to be involved in activities at school.
During middle school she became a cheerleader. When she started high school, Regina said, Akia asked to try out for the Dancing Dolls. Trying to keep her on track, she told her no. She said, she felt Akia should focus on Cheerleading and Tumbling. When she tried out for her high school cheer team, she didn't make it. Regina told us, that was a devastating blow for Akia. Coming from a Co-Captain position in middle school to not even making the team, was puzzling to everyone, to say the least. The whole year ended up being filled with "NO" activities.
Knowing how important it is to keep kids minds and bodies active, Regina said, she promised to get her involved with something she loved. Regina's faith and belief in the results of an idol mind, drove her to find something Akia would love to do. In Jan. 2012, Akia started dance lessons at the Dollhouse Dance Factory. The next month, she made the team. Regina says, "Talk about excited, we both were"! That was just the beginning.
Now, Akia will be graduating, with the rest of our beautiful, young women at the Dollhouse. In two years, Ilayna will be joining the Dollhouse, if she makes the cut. But, I just know that she will be right there. In the meantime, Regina will stay right where she is at. Working hard to help Dianna, anyway she can, while continuing her education.
When Akia, finishes her education at Mississippi State, also in Social Work, they will join forces to create a foundation called, " Restoring Hope". An organization designed to address the needs of teen girls and young adult women who are trying to find their way. Something that is close to Regina's heart and a cause she feels has been a part of God's plan for her life. A plan that included being a part of the Dollhouse as well.
All of this, while still being a Lifetime member of the Dollhouse Dance Factory. Regina told us that to her and her family, "D.D.4.L." meant just that...."For Life". Though she didn't know Dianna, before Akia started classes and before she started helping Dianna in the office, she feels like family. Her commitment to Dianna and to the Dancing Dolls is a lifetime thing.
For the people who take their kids to the Dollhouse daily for practice and drive to competitions across the State and beyond, the Chant....."D.D.4.L." means more than just what we mean, when we say it. It means living and breathing, whatever it takes to raise your child with skills, morals, motivation and dedication to their dreams. The lessons that Dianna is also determined to instill in the lives she is in charge of. As a family, the DDP are the village raising the children. Something they all take seriously. For Regina, it is a family working together to raise, not only their own 4 children, but to be a support system for hundreds of other folk's kids.
Time and time again, after every interview with DDP, we are finding the positives of dancing for Dianna Williams at the Dollhouse Dance Factory. Every girl has gained confidence, motivation and developed future goals in direct correlation to being a part of the this team. But its not just a positive for the kids, its a learning experience for the entire family.
We asked Regina where she had come from since getting involved with the Dolls? Her answer, " I have grown a lot and I have learned a lot. I have always been friendly and I love people. But, being a part of the Dancing Dolls, I have learned patience and to meet people right where they are"!
She says she tries to be the glue to bring others together, especially when divisions happen. She told us, "When you are in a family of 100 or more, you have to hear people out"
Regina said, "I look at this a family unit and when there is a problem, I try to help find a solution that works". She said, "Our girls have learned that anything can be done, if we all try". A result of being a part of a strong team environment.
Regina is a lifer...Akia is a lifer....Ilayna will be a lifer.. Whether the girls, dance when they become adults or not, they will all remain committed, to supporting the Dancing Dolls. Whether the TV Show continues or not, they will remain committed to supporting Dianna Williams and the work she is doing in Jackson, Mississippi. They were there supporting them BEFORE there was a TV Show. Regina said, "That is the Definition of "D.D.4.L"! Dancing Doll For Life"!
Followers sit in front of their TV's on Friday night and blast the room with the chant..."D.D.4.L."!
But what the heck does that mean? To the average person, not from Jackson, Mississippi, it means, they have totally fallen in love with the Dancing Dolls and Dianna Williams...they never miss a show, or the record it for later. They buy T-shirts...they blow up Social Media, with likes and support for anything Dolls.To the people in Jackson, Mississippi, who know what has happened to Dianna Williams, small town dance teacher, it means tremendous pride and joy. Pride that she has brought a positive focus on Jackson and joy, that a girl who is from there, has made it big.
But for the parents and students of the Dollhouse Dance Factory, "D.D.4.L.", means so much more. Long before there was a TV Show called "Bring It", there were girls in Jackson, Mississippi, who wanted to dance. Along with those girls, were loving, dedicated parents who just wanted to give their daughters, the best opportunities possible.
When I first got involved with the Dancing Dolls, over a year ago, this lovely lady was my first point of contact. I met her through emails while signing up for the Dallas Majorette Camp, last year. One of Ms. Regina Lewis' other jobs is helping Dianna out in the office, at the Dollhouse Dance Factory.
She is employed full time and goes to school, in her quest to be a Social Worker. She also is married and has a full time job, as a mom. But, with all of that, she has still managed to be sure her kids have all opportunities possible and get to do things they love to do.
Regina told DDS Nation Blog that when Akia was little, it was hard to get her involved in every activity. Being a single parent was tough financially, she said. When she met her loving and supportive husband in 2007, she told us things changed for the better. Her husband encouraged Akia to be involved in activities at school.
During middle school she became a cheerleader. When she started high school, Regina said, Akia asked to try out for the Dancing Dolls. Trying to keep her on track, she told her no. She said, she felt Akia should focus on Cheerleading and Tumbling. When she tried out for her high school cheer team, she didn't make it. Regina told us, that was a devastating blow for Akia. Coming from a Co-Captain position in middle school to not even making the team, was puzzling to everyone, to say the least. The whole year ended up being filled with "NO" activities.Knowing how important it is to keep kids minds and bodies active, Regina said, she promised to get her involved with something she loved. Regina's faith and belief in the results of an idol mind, drove her to find something Akia would love to do. In Jan. 2012, Akia started dance lessons at the Dollhouse Dance Factory. The next month, she made the team. Regina says, "Talk about excited, we both were"! That was just the beginning.
Now, Akia will be graduating, with the rest of our beautiful, young women at the Dollhouse. In two years, Ilayna will be joining the Dollhouse, if she makes the cut. But, I just know that she will be right there. In the meantime, Regina will stay right where she is at. Working hard to help Dianna, anyway she can, while continuing her education.When Akia, finishes her education at Mississippi State, also in Social Work, they will join forces to create a foundation called, " Restoring Hope". An organization designed to address the needs of teen girls and young adult women who are trying to find their way. Something that is close to Regina's heart and a cause she feels has been a part of God's plan for her life. A plan that included being a part of the Dollhouse as well.
All of this, while still being a Lifetime member of the Dollhouse Dance Factory. Regina told us that to her and her family, "D.D.4.L." meant just that...."For Life". Though she didn't know Dianna, before Akia started classes and before she started helping Dianna in the office, she feels like family. Her commitment to Dianna and to the Dancing Dolls is a lifetime thing.
For the people who take their kids to the Dollhouse daily for practice and drive to competitions across the State and beyond, the Chant....."D.D.4.L." means more than just what we mean, when we say it. It means living and breathing, whatever it takes to raise your child with skills, morals, motivation and dedication to their dreams. The lessons that Dianna is also determined to instill in the lives she is in charge of. As a family, the DDP are the village raising the children. Something they all take seriously. For Regina, it is a family working together to raise, not only their own 4 children, but to be a support system for hundreds of other folk's kids.Time and time again, after every interview with DDP, we are finding the positives of dancing for Dianna Williams at the Dollhouse Dance Factory. Every girl has gained confidence, motivation and developed future goals in direct correlation to being a part of the this team. But its not just a positive for the kids, its a learning experience for the entire family.
We asked Regina where she had come from since getting involved with the Dolls? Her answer, " I have grown a lot and I have learned a lot. I have always been friendly and I love people. But, being a part of the Dancing Dolls, I have learned patience and to meet people right where they are"!
She says she tries to be the glue to bring others together, especially when divisions happen. She told us, "When you are in a family of 100 or more, you have to hear people out"
Regina said, "I look at this a family unit and when there is a problem, I try to help find a solution that works". She said, "Our girls have learned that anything can be done, if we all try". A result of being a part of a strong team environment.
Regina is a lifer...Akia is a lifer....Ilayna will be a lifer.. Whether the girls, dance when they become adults or not, they will all remain committed, to supporting the Dancing Dolls. Whether the TV Show continues or not, they will remain committed to supporting Dianna Williams and the work she is doing in Jackson, Mississippi. They were there supporting them BEFORE there was a TV Show. Regina said, "That is the Definition of "D.D.4.L"! Dancing Doll For Life"!
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