How Much Power & Influence Should Our Coaches & Teachers Have?

If there is one thing we know about Dianna Williams, she is not shy or scared to say exactly what she thinks, no matter who you are. Time after time we have watched her fuss at parents, students, opponents and anyone else who came across her path. She will tell you what she thinks and how she feels without hesitation.

That certainly makes for great TV. The fire and smoke that the high drama presents, makes it more entertaining. But in the real world, what effect does Dianna's overlapping, Mama behavior have on the real people she is dealing with? No matter what we see on TV, there are children listening and reacting to everything that is said and done on the show. When the cameras aren't on, the conversation is still the same..Work hard, do it right or move around.

Each week, we watch as Dianna directs the girls for the upcoming competitions. She yells and threatens and works them as hard as necessary to get the job done. Throughout Season 1, we watched her command the necessary behavior, for everybody on the team. Dedication and excellence are not optional and if you are going to participate in the Dollhouse, you have to be ready to give it everything you have. Which would be where "Bring It" came from.

Since Season 2 started, we have seen Dianna demand that dedication from Crystianna and Camryn. Crystianna's emerging teenage desires seem to be conflicting with her practice and with her time spent, getting ready for the next competition. Camryn, though dedicated as ever, had to step up her game to be considered for the next Captain position. Dianna appears, through the few minutes of show that we see, to be more in control of the girl's lives than their parents. She expects them to sacrifice any other activities for the good of the team.

The next episode is totally changing focus, as far as what Dianna is asking of a dancer. This weeks show will highlight Ms D's suggestion to Kayla about losing weight. We know Kayla is fixing to graduate and is pretty much working on last performances. So why does it matter? Why is it Ms. D's business? Is she wrong for getting so involved in what Kayla is doing and for sticking it out on National TV? Was it inappropriate to make this subject a part of this show?

So we thought this the perfect time to ask? How much Power and Influence should an outsider have in our families? How much control should a Dance Teacher have in the lives of our children?

That can be a tricky situation, depending on family dynamics. We are all supportive of our children in their pursuit of extracurricular activities. We want to get them to practice, make sure they have what they need and support their instructors, coaches and teachers, all that we can. When we sign kids up for any type of sport or activity, we have to be aware of expectations from both the Coach and from the kids.
If the Coach gives you advance notice of expectations, you sign up, then get mad, that's your choice. As far as kids and any activities, If they love it, they usually will hang through the tough stuff and do what it takes. If it is a passing fad, they will be whining and trying to quit, without putting the effort in to succeed.

Beyond the basics of choices, we have to determine who the adults in our children's lives are. Who has direct influence in the hearts and minds of our children? At that point, you can evaluate the amount of control you are willing to give them. Is it worth it for your child's future, to expose them to the realities of "Doing Whatever It Takes To Succeed"? Is it a choice that is positive and productive to your child?

As we watch each week, the emotions and the drama of Bring It, we have to allow for the bigger picture. Behind this show is a whole community of people. Before Ms. Dianna ever thought of TV, she was spending her time trying to make a difference in the lives of girls in Jackson, Mississippi. She hasn't changed. She just got the opportunity to show the World, her love and concern for the welfare of our young women. It's got bigger and more widespread, but nothing else has changed.

It became a Social Norm over the last 20 years to coddle our children and to tell them whatever feel good things we could tell them. Society told us it was better for a child's self esteem and well being to let everybody be a winner and to tell everybody they are doing great. Well, that may have been the talk going on in the big cities and the more liberal society, in this country or so it appeared.

However, down in Jackson, Mississippi, in the Good Ole South, folks have always been somewhat more plain spoken, than the rest of the country. The old gentler South is a myth. The fact that we usually try to throw a "sugar" or a "honey"  in the conversation, doesn't mean we aren't telling you how it is. Even saying, "Bless Your Heart" means, We want to slap you for being so stupid, but instead, we are going to try and not do that! But you need to straighten up now! Because we will slap you. LOL.. Everybody knows that, down South.

There is also another belief down South, that hasn't changed. " It takes a Village to raise a child". That saying has been around for as long as I can remember, which is a long time. When we watch Dianna Williams and her handling of the girls of the Dollhouse Dance Factory, we should be mindful of all of those facts.

She is a strong, caring Southern Woman and she believes with all of heart, in the mission she is on. The hearts and minds she comes in contact with daily are watching dreams in action. A dream she worked at and fought for, long before we ever knew who she was. If ever in life, there was an example of dedication and endurance, her story is that example. So to answer the questions: Is it right for Dianna to get so involved in the lives of the girls of the Dollhouse Dance Factory? Is she doing more harm than good to the girls for the sake of the show and for her own gain?

My personal opinion is, Damn right she should get involved. More harm than good? Not in the "REAL" World. In the world all of us grow up, to live in, nobody cares, if "you" don't like what they say about you! It is the old "Dog eat Dog mentality on every corner. To butter children's egos and not be honest, about everything with them, is where the damage comes in.

When we raise children with honesty and real life, they are more willing, to work harder for their dreams. They see what it going to take and their expectations are real. It helps them be who they really are, not building their lives, based on the theory, they are the best at something, just because they showed up.

What the TV Show has done is allow her tough rules and her determination to create a wave across the the World. A wave of "Get Involved In The Lives Of Our Children"! Stop standing by and watching them turnout bad. Be a parent! Be a Teacher! Be a Coach! Do Something To Stop The Madness!..Teach our young people to be proud of EARNING something!..That is the message! Not her calling out Kayla on TV? Kayla is a tough girl. She has been around Dianna for a long, long time...I would bet money, she steps ups to the challenge, as she always does!

Dianna, along with decent, hardworking parents, are helping the Village to raise a generation of tough, bad ass women. They won't be easy! They won't be quitters! They will always demand respect and have respect for themselves..Not because someone GAVE it to them..But because they EARNED it! How bad do you want it what they hear,not I am a failure or I can't do it.

BUT, at the end of the day, the combination of toughness and love are what gets the job done with any child. She isn't being mean or hateful or degrading to anyone. And Dianna never leaves out the praise or the love with her girls. She is the first one to tell them how good they have done or how proud she is of them. She builds confidence that lasts and a "pay it forward" attitude for every girl that comes through the Dollhouse.

And surely, Kayla's weight should be a topic on this show. There is an obesity problem across America. This show reaches millions of people.

Though Kayla is far from being obese, the bigger message is health. Her decision to be healthier than she is already, is a motivation for those millions of people watching. Her overwhelming influence with young girls, who love her, could be a turning point for anyone who wants to get healthier but hasn't.
 If reality shows tackle real life issues and show real life answers, then they are valuable to all of us who watch. Life lessons that we could all use, if we choose to recognize them, are a bigger attraction to me than any of the hype that goes with it all.

DDS Nation will remain a strong supporter of Dianna and the way she chooses to contribute to our children's lives. We are thankful for Dianna and people like her.

From Losing To Kicking Ass! Dancing Dolls Put Their Stamp On Alabama! Episode 3 & 4

Well DDS Nation, If you missed Episode 3 of Bring It, you only missed a horrible loss. After a long history of conflict, involving disrespect in previous competitions, the Dancing Dolls accepted an apology from hometown rivals, the Purple Diamonds. They also agreed to another battle in a Hometown Showdown! Drama was at a minimum in this episode.

The PD came prepared. They are one of Jackson Mississippi's Premier Dance Groups. Definitely competition for the Dancing Dolls. As we watched across the TV World, we were all mad, sad, pissed off and dismayed by the loss to the Purple Diamonds. Though everybody thought Dianna and the Dolls were prepared, we realized the Purple Diamonds, according to the Judges rulings, were even better prepared.

The  trash talking was nowhere to be seen in this episode as with the Divas of Olive Branch. If anything, Ms. D showed the girls what true competition is about. Not about a trophy or just winning something. She helped them to realize, losing only serves to make you more determined and more prepared the next time and it is not a definition of who they are, as people. Lessons learned for life.

The best part of this episode, hands down, was  the Creative Dance routine. It turned out to be a showstopper, with the exception of Sunjai's skirt coming off. But the change in the music and the costumes was amazing to watch. It shows that not only can the Dolls buck, they can incorporate different themes into their competitions. Having male dancers proved to be an added bonus for this dance. The medium stand and the fast stands were good too. Surely a milder, gentler episode and portrayal of the real struggle of dealing with loss and dealing with your own self worth.

Episode 4, last week was a blowout. The Dolls headed over to Mobile Alabama to a Competition they have never participated in before. New Rules and New Competitors and a New TWIST for this week. A New Captain for the week. Yes, you heard me, Kayla didn't lead this Competition. This was Camryn's Week to shine and show Ms. Dianna, what she could do.

As everyone knows, Kayla graduates school this year. Her time as a Dancing Doll, in her current role will be over. Dianna knows she has to fill that position. Now is the time to start training someone to take that job. Dianna made it a fair tryout and offered both Camryn and Tamia the chance to battle for the position.

Camryn proved to be the stronger dancer and got her opportunity to be Captain for the week.  I am sure she was nervous, but I feel sure, Mimi was the most nervous. Being the loving Mom she is, she was feeling even more scared for Camryn, than Camryn was feeling for herself. Too sweet. Dianna recognized it immediately and steered Mimi to anywhere else but around Camryn...nerves rub off on others..for sure.

Camryn never left a doubt in anyone's mind, once she hit the floor. The Solo Stand was flawless. The Stand Battle was flawless..She led her team like she had always been right there. We know if she takes Kayla's place, no doubt she will be a great Captain and will take the Dolls to even higher places in the future.

Even though the Fierce Elite Dance Team from Arkansas, with Coach Dorian, were amazing, the win came to the Dolls, for both the Solo and the Stand. Another Trophy going back to Jackson. Ms. D has recently coined the term, " STAMP"..The Dancing Dolls have begun to put their STAMP on the World. Now with this win, they haved STAMPED ALABAMA and Arkansas, sort of!...lol.

The only drama with this Competition was Coach Dorian's claim of being told he looked like Dianna...LOL..Baby please! NAH! LOL...

Not all of this Episode was hunky dorey. We were left wondering, if years of Rittany and Dianna going back and forth over issues, will finally take its toll on the relationship. Rittany made a bold move this week and went to see the Purple Diamonds. Not really just a casual inquiry but more of a Plan B, as Rittany put it.

It would seem that Rittany's concern for Crystianna's overall well being have become more important, as she gets older. She understands the need for her to experience lots of things and have many opportunities in life. Of course she is right. Of course, Crystianna should do all of those things. As is life, everything is relative. Relative to your own situation, needs and wants. The other side of the argument is Ms. D's side. She has asked Parents to be committed to the Dolls to the extent of forgoing other extracurricular activities in school.

This battle between Dianna and Rittany is not something that will be resolved easily. Rittany is strong and determined and Dianna is as well. It will be an ongoing argument, until one of them makes a final decision, which may not be a pleasant one for anybody. We will have to see where this is headed. We all love Rittany and Crystianna. We would  hate to see them leave the Dollhouse. However, you have to do what you have to do. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Our final observation from these two Episodes is the building feud with the DDP. The new mom, Tawantza is no pushover. Though we are just seeing her on the show, she has been involved for a while. Her confrontation with Rittany on this last Episode, was almost volatile. Rittany defending Crystianna and Tawantza explaining how the cow ate the cabbage..lol...I was worried for a minute, we were fixing to be witnesses...lol.

However, our tough, but loving, Mama Mimi, was right up in the middle of it all. I am thinking, dang Mimi, they are at least a head taller than you. lol. A smaller package, but a fireball, that ain't scared to become part of the sandwich of the argument. Her insistence for the two ladies to calm down, won but not before they moved her across the sidewalk, like a ragdoll. lol.

As we get excited for this weeks episode, we are all wondering how things will turn out. Will Rittany and Crystianna leave the Dollhouse? If not, will Rittany and Tawantza end up in more than just a verbal altercation? How much slack is Dianna willing to cut Crystianna? Will she bend her rules any to allow the girls to be more involved with other things?

I don't know the answers, so you will have to tune in with me to see what happens....See you tonight! Get Ready To BRING IT DDS NATION!

BEING A BABY DANCING DOLL....MEET MS. CHEEKY...#BDD

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.

We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to write this article. Thanks Myzz!

Episode 2 Of Bring It: Trash Talking & Setting Examples!

As we all tuned in last Friday night to see the 2nd installment of Bring It, I think we were just a little thrown off. It all started as normal. Pending competition, Ms. D on point with practice and the girls hard at work. BUT....

Ms. D. added some extra incentive for the Dancing Dolls this week. That incentive turned out to be Tim and Jay. Male Choreographers that definitely have it going on. They were brought in to give the girls a more aggressive dance attitude and to help them take better control of the floor during competitions. Dianna was paying attention as usual. Her instincts proved to be right. Tim and Jay brought out the "Beast Mode" in the Dancing Dolls. Their new found attitudes proved to be a dominating factor in the competition.

New choreographers weren't the biggest surprise in Episode 2. From start to finish, it kept us glued to the TV. We have begun to see the forming of new alliances with the DDP. Tawantza is proving to be a great addition to the show. She has connected with Selena and as we know, Selena has been stuck out doing her own thing until now. Both Selena and Tawantza are confident and self assured. They both express that confidence in their conversations about themselves and their daughters, Sunjai and Zatia. From the first episode of Bring It, we knew Selena was the Diva to be dealt with. Now, I think Selena has an ally and some stiff competition in the Diva department. With this new alliance, we are sure to see lots of fireworks with the DDP, this season.

Now for the biggest shocker of all on Episode 2, Season 2 of Bring It. The Trash Talking! Oh I know there has been much talking back and forth since the beginning of the show. Each team that comes to battle, has their own opinions of the Dancing Dolls and Ms. Dianna. BUT, in this episode, it would seem we have gone to a whole new level of nasty.

As soon as the show was over, I started getting emails on my blog. Ranging from total support for Dianna and the Dolls to talking smack about her "hateful and demeaning attitude". My personal response was, Dang, I need to re-watch this, maybe I missed something. So I did. I re-watched the episode on a paid site, yesterday. So for everyone who tuned in last week, this is what I saw and this is my personal opinion on what took place.

From the beginning of this show, Neva, Coach for the Divas of Olive Branch, was sure they were going to take the competition for the third time. Ms. D knew they had worked their butts off to be prepared and to be sure THEY took the competition. She knew the preparation that had been put in and was confident that the Dolls were more than prepared. Neva also felt confident that the Divas were going to win, yet again.

My thoughts are that both teams and coaches were wound as tight as they could get. It seems that since the beginning of any competition, there may have been sparks between Coach D and Coach Neva. So it appears the long strained history of stand battles had both coaches making comments based on that history.

It seemed that with all of the TV added to the mix, it was bound to get explosive. With comments flowing from the Coaches, the teams were automatically thrown into the mix. We all know the devotion of teams with their Coaches. A devoted team member isn't going to stand around and listen to derogatory or negative comments, about their team or their Coach, without responding. That is where things got hairy on this Episode. Once comments began to come from team members on the Divas of Olive Branch side, directly to members of the Dolls, control went out the window.

As I watched again, my view was that Dianna went into protective mode. Her normally rational thinking was overtaken by her love and concern for her girls. It was amazing to watch. When she first heard what was going on, she started walking across the floor. When she came close to the other side, I thought dang, somebody is fixin to get slapped..LOL. Then Ms. D went all the way off. She expressed her beliefs of the unwritten rule of sportsmanship and her feelings about Neva's lack of control of her team.

Her comments to Neva about her eyebrows, were strong and had to cut straight to the bone. When you start commenting on other folks appearance, you can start a fight quickly. Ms. D's comments were taken as hurtful and belittling to the Divas of Olive Branch and their Coach. It also sparked fans to take to Social Media to defend Neva and to condemn Dianna. Lots of people that sent me emails were saying, What example does that set for both teams? For vulnerable girls, who look up to these people? Did they learn anything positive from seeing this fight between the Coaches? Or was this just good TV and we will worry about the fallout later?

I don't know if it made a negative impact on the girls. The impact it made on me, after watching it for the second time, was "Don't mess with family"

We know how much Dianna defends those girls. We know she don't take much crap from anyone. We also know she has no hesitation in saying what she thinks or feels. Though we haven't seen this level of trash talking before, we know that the main point here is the Dancing Dolls. Ms. D's dedication to the show is ultimately overshadowed by her concern for her girls.

If we are to place any blame in this situation, it might be placed on the shoulders of the originating offender. The Divas of Olive Branch Coach seems to have started the entire incident with her negative comments. From that to where it went, could have been avoided from the beginning. I am not saying Ms. D shouldn't have just put a stop to it, maybe she should have. But I think her motivation or concern was not, what it looked like to the haters, but what it looked like to her own conscience. Not taking up for her girls or continuing to let Neva talk much trash, would have been a cowards way out. And we all know, that is not in the description, anyone uses when talking about Dianna.

So, depending on what side you are on here, your opinion may be different. That's fine. I have tried from the start to see the bigger picture with Dianna and with the Dolls. Her positive impact truly outweighs any negative. We also have to remember we are all human beings with feelings and loyalties and ideas. I truly don't think Dianna was being irresponsible. I think she was being real. I think whether on TV or not, her reaction would have been the same. We all want to be good examples to others and I think the example here was play fair and stand with your team, no matter what.

From all of the other episodes, we know that, is Dianna's goal. I think feelings got out of hand in this case, but think it could have gone to a whole new level of bad. I think, in the end, it was handled as well as it could be, under the circumstances. I also think the Dolls know Dianna well enough by now, not to define her by one case. Hopefully, fans and supporters will see the bigger picture as well.

Either way, this Season 2 of Bring It is proving to be worth the watch. Each episode has surprises and twists, we never thought of. That's why 1.8 million people tuned in last week. As we are finding out, the Dolls and Dianna have an appeal that exceeds many normal barriers. They are continuing to roll across America and across the World with a following like no other. I will be watching again this coming Friday to see what is in store for us next. Where will you be on Friday night?