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!

Dancing Doll 4 Life-Living The Chant!

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."!

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"!