So far, our focus here on the DDS Nation Blog, has been to highlight Dianna and the Dancing Dolls. But there are many more people who participate at the Dollhouse. Folks we don't always see on the show or if we do see them, they don't get the TV time that the older Dolls get. Though they compete in many of the episodes, we haven't really got to know them personally. Our first Baby Dancing Doll is Destini Richardson, better known to those who love her as "Cheeky". I call her "Ms. Cheeky" because she is such a grown up...lol!
Destini first became involved with the Dollhouse through the Summer Dance Camp in 2011. She was hooked after that.Cheeky has now been a member of the Dollhouse since 2013. In January 2014, she was promoted to Co-Captain. More recently, she was yet again, promoted to Head Co-Captain.
Most of the competitions that you have watched, with the BDD involved, you have seen Cheeky. You just didn't realize that you were looking at one of the next rising stars in the Dollhouse.
Destini's Mom is Myzz Richardson. If you don't know her on Facebook, then you probably haven't seen the great pictures she posts of Ms. Cheeky. She is her biggest fan and keeps her in the spotlight on Facebook and Instagram.
We asked Myzz about the reaction among the families of Dollhouse members, when they heard the news about the TV Show. Myzz said, " When the show first started, everyone was shocked and excited that little ole Jackson was about to explode".
We also talked with her about Destini and her experiences, being a part of the Dollhouse.
First we asked, As Head Co-Captain, what changes for Destini? Myzz told us she thinks the only thing that will change for her, will be just more hard work and dedication. In that position, we are sure,she will have to step up her desire, to be on top. That seems to come with any position on the Dolls teams.
We asked if Mom thought her new title, would give her more opportunities to showcase her individual talents. She said throughout Cheeky's involvement with the BDD, she has been given many great opportunities to shine and show her talents. Myzz told us, the time she has spent with Dianna & the Dolls,the experiences of performing and being in the spotlight & as a member of the BDD, definitely shows in Destini's personality.
Our next question was about Destini's future. We asked her Mom, with all the sacrifice it takes to keep a child involved with the Dolls, is dancing something she thinks Destini will continue to be involved in after she is out of school? Her answer made us laugh but we understood. Myzz said, "I really can't say Destini always enjoys dancing but of course, she will stay with Dolls and will be a Dancing Doll 4 Life...#DD4L...Okay, Myzz, we to got it.. #DD4L...No doubt.
Her other answer to the question was that she has talked about college and about the future but isn't sure if dance will be something she will do on the Collegiate level or if she will switch her focus to Gymnastics.
Our final question to our BDDP was :If you had to pick 3 of the most positive things that you & Destini have learned because of your involvement with the Dolls, what would those be?
1. Respect for Self & Others
2. Hard Work & Team Work Make The Dream Work
3. Ms. D's saying: WHEN I THINK I'VE DONE ENOUGH, GO FURTHER
Of course when I asked the last question, I knew already that these things were going to be top of the list. They are for everybody, I have talked to, with the Dolls. Dianna instills these things in young women. The true Supporters of the Dollhouse and Ms. D recognize the values and the dedication, that becomes a part of all of the girls involved.
Destini Richardson is one of many wonderful girls, who will forever benefit, from being a part of the this organization. The hard work and team work will give her the tools for the rest of her life. As we watch each week on the show and we see the short, few minutes of effort and work that everybody puts in, remember there are hours and hours more of practice and traveling and competing, we don't see. The dedication required by both parents and dancers is all consuming and shows the love these families have for their kids.
Destini has a bright future with the Dancing Dolls. She is a beautiful, strong and talented young lady. She has a contagious smile and when somebody says give em face, Cheeky gives it her absolute best. I love watching her on the BDD and seeing her on Facebook. Her Mom is a hardworking lady and does whatever she has to do to keep Destini in the Dancing Dolls. We expect to see great things from Ms. Cheeky and will continue to follow her progress and popularity.
