Dancing Doll Graduation: Turning The Page

For over a year, we have been glued to our TV's on Bring It night. We have watched young girls, go from being kids to being amazing young women. No one thought we would fall in love with them, like we have. We have seen them cry, struggle, dance their butts off, fight through the pain and learn to accept loss. All the while, cheering them on like they were our own.

Each one has brought a special kind of joy to our own lives. They came into our homes and stole our hearts. We have protected them online, as if we had raised them ourselves. Professing our DD4L dedication and love daily. Whether Kayla, Sunjai, Akia, Dominique or Brandye...we have tuned in and turned up, to see them on Lifetime TV.

Now, we are watching, as our beautiful DD4L family moves on to the next phase of their lives. Graduating and turning the page on their future. Each one has made us laugh and cry, as we watched them grow up and become stronger and more beautiful each week. We have an idea, of where some are headed, such as, Kayla, Sunjai & Akia are planning to go to different colleges. But, all of the girls are using experiences and lessons learned from the Dancing Dolls, to build their dreams. They all have plans that have been in the making, for a long time.

As we prepare to Congratulate & say Bye to our girls, we can't help but include the parents of the graduating class. Especially our DDP Moms. At this extremely, appropriate time of the year, Mother's Day, falling so close to graduation, we have to acknowledge the dedication and love shown by these Amazing Women. Being a parent is a difficult job, no doubt. We all struggle with choices and decisions, concerning our children. We all want them to have the best of everything and to have the best opportunities in the World.

The DDP Moms are like all of the Moms, we all know. They work, they raise their families, they cry and they struggle. They are always doing everything within their power, to be sure, their child didn't fall between the cracks. No matter the amount of money or the numerous hours of no sleep, they get the job done...everyday!



It has been an amazing journey to watch this unfold on TV. After getting to know several of the DDP personally, over the last year, I have come to have tremendous respect and love for them. Of course, we see the "SHOW" each week. The stuff, the Producers think will make it more exciting, but the true experiences, are the true facts. Facts like: Mom's who aren't handed everything, on a Silver Platter. Another one, such as fund raising events, other children to take care of, long bus rides, dance fees and more.....all the while, making DD4L, the talk of the World & never missing a beat, turning these girls, into Fabulous Women.

One of the first articles I wrote, for the blog, was about the advantages of girls being involved in dancing, because of some criticism, put out by some naysayers, about the Dolls.  I said, it gives them the tools to be adults. It  makes them strong, capable, independent, young women, with the dedication and courage, to take on anything they may encounter, in life.

We are witnessing that happen on TV, in front of our eyes. While we are entertained, most who watch, recognize the beauty of seeing these young women, bloom. We all can look at these ladies and feel where they are, in their lives. Graduating high school and looking forward to dreams that will bring them the happiness, we all are searching for, at that age. Everything being a new and exciting experience. It's like deja vu, for many of us older fans and for those who are younger and not there yet, it is like an news flash of where they can go, in their quest to follow a dream.
While we are honoring our DDP. we have to put the Mom, we all know & love, at the top of the pile. We all know that leadership is the key to raising successful adults. Dianna has been a huge part of the equation. She has helped to make every step the girls have taken, a step to their future. The respect and love that is shared in the Dollhouse, is the glue that has helped these young women go for their dreams. She is truly a shining example of taking charge of your life and taking control of your future. Hats off to Ms. Dianna for being the person and woman she is.

We all love to watch her, as she teaches these beautiful young girls, how to be strong and successful women. I  know, over all of the years of teaching and nurturing these girls, Dianna feels like she is just as much their MOM as their own MOM'S do. She has hugged them when they needed hugs...scolded them, when she thought they needed that instruction and has picked them up when they fell. She has never let them down and has been there for them over and over. Though tough, she has always shown them the deep felt love that she has for all of the girls that come through the doors of the Dollhouse. The saying, "It takes a village to raise children", is truly, a reality in the Dollhouse family.

Bring It, has been an amazing show. It has been exciting and entertaining for us all. But we have all grown to feel like they are a part of our own lives. We cheer them on, we are sad when they lose, and we hope for the best, for them. Though many will never actually meet any of the Dolls, in person, they still feel connected and care about what happens to them.
We all feel connected to them either through our own love of dancing or through watching our own children and grandchildren, strive to be like Kayla or Sunjai. A goal that has been renewed weekly on Bring It. They have had a monumental impact on thousands of young girls across the country and even in other countries.

As we Turn The Page with our Dolls and watch these wonderful, beautiful young women, move to the next phase of their lives, we all pray for them and wish them love, happiness and success. We also pray for their Moms and families. A Special Mother's Day wish to all of the DDP this year. Kids growing up and leaving is tough, but we know you will be fine.

You are Turning The Page, as well. Watching your babies move foward, making big decisions and holding your hand less and less. This means YOU did an AMAZING JOB...ALL OF YOU! You worked hard and you lost sleep and you cried through the pain to put these WOMEN out in the World. 
CONGRATULATIONS KAYLA, AKIA, SUNJAI, BRANDYE & DOMINIQUE! 

CONGRATULATIONS DDP MOMS! WE SALUTE YOU! 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY-YOU HAVE EARNED IT! 

We have loved watching you and we wish you all the best! #DD4L #DDP #BDD #DDSNATION !...

PUT YOUR STAMP ON THE WORLD LADIES! 

WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY SHOUT OUT TO THE MAMA WHO STARTED THIS JOURNEY, WE ARE ALL GETTING TO GO ON...DIANNA WILLIAMS...YOU ARE MOTHER TO SO MANY! GOD HAS PLACED YOU IN A SPECIAL PLACE! THANKS FOR BEING A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT A WOMAN CAN ACCOMPLISH, AS WELL AS HOW SPECIAL THE LOVE OF A MOTHER CAN BE!

OMG? DA' HELL HAPPENED?

Well, you guys, I normally only write once a week about our girls but damn, I couldn't wait until next week to talk about this show. I sat in front of my TV and from the second the show came on, it was more emotion filled that all of the other shows put together. And child, when Dianna come out the door of the Dollhouse on Selena, I had to back up on my couch.

Dang, what the heck got into Selena? LOL! She was mad as heck about her girls. You never see Selena act like that.
That was just the tip of the iceberg for Friday Night! When the Dolls got to the competition, they were facing the Miami SupaStarz. As you know, the Dolls put their stamp on Miami, in the first show of this Season. I witnessed that whooping personally in Mississippi! Dianna knew Tracy would be on the top of her game and would not be coming with less than perfection. However, Dianna was not ready for Virtuous Divine and the Dazzlin Starz.

It was a strange night, to put it mildly. We watched the girls practice and prepare for the competition and even then, it seemed they just were not getting into the whole thing. The Ace in the hole, Andre looked great at first. He came out at practice rockin the backflip, until he hit the mirror. The breakdown was almost too much for everybody but he seemed to recover and was ready to go at competition. But it just seemed like the whole thing was not coming together, from the second they entered the building.


We know that Tracy don't play and she doesn't show up, unless her girls are ready to go. She capitalized on the day by talking tons of trash. She basically called the Dolls out. Her team showed confidence and high energy from the second they walked on the floor. They not only came out with extravagant, festive costumes, they had actual drummers, play traditional tribal drums. But the kicker of the night was Tracy. A big box was pushed out on the floor and when it opened, out popped Tracy, shined and in buff condition, taking over the dance floor. The crowd went nuts of course.

When the Dolls finally got to the floor, for the creative dance, they just didn't pull it together. The theme was great...but I think it got lost in translation, somehow. By the look on Ms. D's face, she knew it too. The Stand Battle should have been a comeback, but I think the letdown from the Creative Dance was still weighing heavy on the minds of the girls. They did a great job but I think it was just one of those days when everything seems to go differently than expected.

Of course, we saw it happen...the Dancing Dolls went home without a trophy of any kind..Nothing! I don't think I have seen anything so sad. The girls, Ms D...and then there was Rittany...I started crying. I felt so bad for her.. As she talked about having put her heart into the Dolls and how much it was hurting to see them do so bad, I couldn't help, but think of how it affects the Moms I see, at different functions for my Grandchildren. When the kids lose a game or they don't do well or they get a raw deal in scoring, the Parents are deeply affected as well. When you take your child, day after day, to something they love to do...then you see them lose or they mess up or whatever...it breaks your heart...for them and for the team..So, it was a hard thing, for us all to watch, from our homes and definitely a tough thing for our girls to be going through.

So now what? Well, my best guess is, Ms. Dianna took all of this in stride...She was mad as hell last night...between Selena at the beginning and the loss at the end..she probably just wanted to go sit in a lounge chair, with a tall cold drink, with an umbrella in it...LOL..But we know already that Dianna is a fighter and those girls are dang sure fighters...This was just a wake up call. They have been winning and Stamping their way across the South...

But, every Team loses..Ms D said that too. It's okay...We are going to come back.. Stronger...Tougher...and More Focused than ever before. No Doubt! No Question!

So, as the loss carried over into today, we have watched the fans vs the haters emerge, yet again. LOL..too funny. However, the REAL FANS...are standing up and shouting out and holding up the Dancing Dolls after last night. They have come out louder and more supportive than ever...though the haters, are talking...no way they can talk over the Supporters...We are here and we are loud! We did feel bad for Tawantza, who is outspoken and straight up, says what she thinks! She made the comment about how good the Miami Team was...Social Media set her on fire! No matter what; Fans...Honesty is something Dianna lives by and if we are all HONEST, we have to offer congrats, to Tracy and the Miami team for a job well done..So let's not crucify Tawantza for being an honest person and having the good sportsmanship, to offer positive feedback instead of being sour grapes.

This loss was tough, but Dianna is unbothered by all of it. She was on a plane to South Africa to promote the Dolls today...Life moves forward and so do the Dancing Dolls. Their reach is phenomenal and they are not stopping halfway through this journey. I know, as a True Fan, they are going to be working harder than ever. Ms. D is already planning bigger and better dances. She said last night, the next team on the list is going to pay the price of this loss..because this is the motivation to be so good the next time, no way they will walk away empty handed. We all know...Dianna don't play and she don't say it, if she don't mean it.

We are going to work harder than ever to show our support to Dianna and the Dolls...We know they are going to come back to kick butt and to do what we know they can do!

No Worries Dolls...We Are Here! We Are DDS NATION!...#DD4L...#DD4L!  JE

Dancing Dolls Majorette Camps 2015...Are You Ready?

DD4L SUMMER 2015 – MAJORETTE CAMP DATES & LOCATIONS:

June 19-21, 2015 in Birmingham, Alabama


Carver High School


3900 24th St. N….Birmingham, AL


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: Crystianna, Camryn, Tamia & Kayla


June 26-28, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois


Percy L. Julian High School


10330 South Elizabeth St.


Chicago, IL 60643


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: Crystianna, Kayla, Camryn & Tamia


July 10-12, 2015 in Washington D.C.


Location TBA


Washington D.C.


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: Kayla, Camryn, Crystianna & Tamia


_______________________________________________________________


July 17-19, 2015 in Houston, Texas


Albert Thomas Middle School


5655 Selinsky Road.


Houston, TX 77048


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: Kayla, Camryn, Crystianna & Tamia


July 24-26, 2015 in Cedar Hill, Texas


Cedar Hill High School


1 Longhorn Blvd.


Cedar Hill, TX 75104


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: Kayla, Camryn, KenJanae and Crystianna


July 31-August 2, 2015 in Buffalo, New York


Location TBA


Registration for this event will open as soon as we announce the location- please check back soon!


DD4L CAST MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND ARE: To Be Announced Soon!
DD4L Majorette Camp is $153.00 Per Participant


Payment must be made PRIOR to the start date of each CAMP


Each participant receives 2 camp t-shirts to wear during the camp. On the final day of camp each participant will receive a medal and certificate for successful survival of camp.


Get this: the final day of camp all participants will perform what they have learned in front of their family, friends and supporters! That’s right the final day of camp is open to the public!!! This final day of camp will be an all out performance as the Buck or Die camp participants showcase their Parade (Summer Tours only), field routine an all out STAND BATTLE!!!!


The camp will be broken down in to 4 groups. #teamKayla, #teamCamryn, #teamCrystianna,#teamTamia, #teamKenjanae, #teamSunjai, #team Coach D (ages 6-8) depending on which cast will be in attendance at that particular camp site. Within these 4 groups the girls will perform their field shows taught during camp.


Finally is the STAND BATTLE!! Because you can’t have a camp without an official STAND BATTLE!!


The teams will face of at the end of the performance with each Bring It! /DD4L cast member as their captain to see who will become the ultimate Buck Or Die Majorette Camp winner for the day!


Does all this sound like fun?IF SO, GET READY BECAUSE ITS TIME TO BUCK OR DIE!!!!!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMPORTANT CAMP DETAILS!

Second Episode Of Bring It? Has Dianna Gone Soft?

We are waking up this Friday morning, getting ready for the second episode of Bring It. After watching the 1st episode, we are all wondering, what is happening at the Dollhouse? Last week's show portrayed Ms. D in a much different light, than it has ever before. From the beginning of the show, Ms. D has been loud and proud of her boisterous attitude. Her demeanor has been one of control, directing all of those around her and never, ever taking any crap from anyone.

In last week's show, we saw a complete reversal of that behavior. As the Miami SupaStarz pulled their bus in to the Dollhouse Dance Factory parking lot, viewers and fans, assumed Dianna was getting ready to come unglued. We just knew that she was coming through the doors of the Dollhouse like a bullet and was fixing to unleash her fury on Tracy ( Miami's Coach).

I think everyone was totally blown away by the real response we saw. As Dianna came out of the Dollhouse, her whole appearance changed. Her normal yelling and talking trash attitude turned into a mellowed, composed and almost silent, lamb. I think it probably floored everyone watching. To see a Dianna that is not on point and that is not telling it like it is, to of all those around her, seemed extremely odd.

Now, here we are waiting for the second episode tonight. What is that going to bring? Has Ms. D made a life change to a more calm and composed coach? Has she gone soft on us? Who knows? The competition tonight is going to be tough...The Divas of Olive Branch are a great team and always offer their best, when they show up for competitions.

What will Dianna do this week to show the Dancing Dolls are better than the Divas of Olive Branch? Well we know she has new female talent in the mix. Zatia is the newest Dancing Doll. Her mom Tawantza has settled in with ease, in the mix of the Dancing Doll Parents. She didn't hesitate to stand toe to toe with Dianna, though it got her tossed from the Dollhouse practice. She is pushing for her daughter's place on the team and on the show. Zatia hasn't shown us what she can do yet, but we know she wouldn't be there, if she wasn't very good.

What else does Dianna plan for this competition with the Divas? It looks like she is bringing in a Secret Weapon? What is that? Well, it would appear she has brought in male choreographers to help boost the Dolls skills. Her statement of putting the baddest heffers on the floor was serious business. Now we will see if the Secret Weapon pays off in the competition. No doubt it is a great idea to get new talent and new dance moves in for future battles.

This season is proving to be different and exciting. As we know with TV Reality shows, if they don't keep it fresh and interesting, the rating fall fast. We are anticipating Bring It to continue to climb in the ratings. The staff and production crew, obviously are paying attention and are coordinating with Dianna to make it the best they can be, each and every week.

We will be watching on this 2nd episode of Season 2 to see if our trash talking, hard working Coach D has changed her demeanor for the future or if we were just seeing a smarter strategy for handling the competition. It is strange to watch, but we can be sure, Dianna knows whats up and she is using every available tool at her disposal to make sure the Dolls are well represented and that they come out winners.

Stay Tuned for the Competition with the Divas of Olive Branch...Tonight on Lifetime TV..Are You Ready To Bring It?

Bring It Is Back...Watch Out PrimeTime Friday's...The Dancing Dolls Are Bringing The Fire Again!!

"Ding, Ding, Let's Go" Ms D. proclaims. Wow, we have missed you Ms. D. The anticipation over the last few months has been painful, to say the least. Fans & Supporters of the Dancing Dolls have filled in the break period with reruns and youtube videos.

But, the wait is over. In less than 48 hours, Bring It, will hit Primetime TV with a showdown with Miami. Of course this my personal favorite episode this Season because it is the one we went to see in person with my babies and the other DDS Family. Our trip to Mississippi to see the Battle with the SupaStarz in Vicksburg,was amazing. Can't wait to see it ..Can't give away the results, you will just have to tune in.

For all of the folks who watch Bring It, you know what that Miami Supastarz means Ms Tracy and all glitz and flair they bring to the competition.  They have emerged as one of the top teams to battle against the Dolls. They never come unprepared and they always come with that Miami attitude. This Season promises to be better than ever.

If you have seen the promo's for Season 2, you know there is new blood coming to the Dollhouse. There will be a new dancer in the midst and a new mom. From the looks of the clips I have seen, she is going to have a hard road to travel, to get the attention she is looking for, from the other DDP Moms. She is vying for her daughter's place on the floor. And Ms. D is coming with a new attitude this season. She says, "I'm gonna put the baddest heffa's on the floor"! And Ms. D. don't play favorites, nor does she take any mess, from anybody! Which means Lookout America!...The Dolls ain't playing and they ain't backing down!

As we have seen over the break, though the show hasn't been on as usual,the Dolls never stopped working, after the Season on TV ended. Kayla, Sunjai, Camryn, Chrystianna and of course our Baby Dancing Dolls, haven't stopped for a second. They have worked harder than ever to get ready for this new Season. The Battle for the Best Dance Teams in America is getting ready to begin.

With each Season, comes new recognition for the Dancing Dolls. This off season has brought more training camps, more high profile exposure for Dianna and the Dolls. Their popularity has grown so much, Dianna is planning a trip to Africa, for interviews and other new ventures. From places across the World, people are getting to know the Dolls and are excited for them to come to their cities. It has been amazing to watch the love for them grow. It would seem that dancing crosses all language and cultural barriers.

Our girls, that we all love so much, are getting new opportunities as well. They are exploring their options for life after the Dolls and for ways to continue to live their dreams.  We continue to wish them the best things possible, as they grow into their stardom. We are sure their experiences with the Dolls is going to carry them well, throughout their lives.

We have seen through the off season, their family attitude isn't just for show, it is for real. As if filming, competing, going to school and just living & working aren't enough, the Dolls family has experienced much real life sadness. They continue to prove to us, the courage and character of everyone involved, by the way they handle tragedy. The real life responses to these kinds of things, makes them even more of a role model to us. The grace and love and support they show each other, as well as continued strength, gives us life lessons to remember.

As we start this New Year with a New Dancing Doll Season, we are all excited for them and are curious to see what the year brings.. It would seem it is off to a great start with their new "Bring It" contest, featuring Tinashe. If you haven't heard her new single, "All hands on deck", it is a great song. Watch the Dolls here dancing to Tinashe's new song : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seRLrLTBcy0&feature=youtu.be
Bring it is using the song in the new promo for the Dolls. Check out the contest and see if you can "Bring It" good enough to win. Get the details here. http://www.howibringitsweeps.com/

We know every episode of the New Season is going to be fantastic. It is also going to be in a much better spot this season. Bring It has moved from Wednesday to Friday, in primetime. This is going to increase their popularity and their exposure across the country. Folks that couldn't watch before, because of work, will be able to tune in each week now. So mark your calendars now...Friday, January 23rd 9 pm eastern/8 pm central, the competition begins again.

As we go into this new Season, we are going to be here talking about the Dolls and about the show. Our first interview with Kayla was great. Watch for more interviews with members of the Dolls, as well as, in-depth stories on What its like to be an up and coming Doll, and what it takes to be a DD parent. Also will be posting info on their upcoming training camps and places they are going to be.

Don't miss anything this Season...Watch the Dolls Bring The Fire To Lifetime TV Again! How Do You Bring It?