THE YEAR OF DIANNA WILLIAMS AND THE DOLLS

Well it has been just over a year since I became a fan of Dianna Williams and the Dancing Dolls. My first encounter was my granddaughter telling me about them. She was so excited and her first comments were, " Nana, you need to watch this show...Ms Dianna don't play...she is yelling and talking pure trash!" I must have laughed for a full minute, listening to her describe this new show called "Bring It".

I got the chance to see it the next Wednesday. I was totally hooked. Not because anybody was yelling or because Dianna was talking trash. I was instantly hooked because of the mission I could see in this program. Dianna's mission. Teaching girls to have goals and to be dedicated and to work hard for their dreams. Just seeing the affect it was having on my granddaughter, was enough to get involved.

From there, it has been a whirlwind. We have attended the camp in Dallas, took a roadtrip with 4 kids to the Dollhouse and to the first show of this season..I have made hundreds of pictures and many videos to post on Social Media and have written 35 articles for the Fan Blog here. I have met many of the folks from the show and love talking with them, when they have time on Facebook. My intention was not to do the stuff I have done but after seeing the impact, I felt I had to offer any help I could. Since the Internet and Social Media is what I do for work, I thought that would be the perfect contribution. I have loved every second of being involved and truly hope I have contributed to more exposure for this wonderful show.
With so much crap on TV, it was so refreshing to see a show that promoted morals, goals and dedication. I talked to folks who called Dianna a loud mouth and said, How can what she is doing help anybody?.....LOL. Okay. There were comments made that she was teaching the girls to be strippers and porn stars....LOL..Okay...LOL. We had the folks who just had to say, over and over the history of Dianna..any mistake she ever made was thrown in the streets.
I think, all of those negative statements, probably fall into the "Everybody has an opinion" category. It seemed in the beginning, the haters, just jumped out of nowhere, daily. I am sure everybody on the cast of Bring It, grew extremely tired of the mess. There was even a guy on YouTube who was point blank, calling Dianna all sorts of nasty stuff. He was soooo mad when the fans just blew up his page with comments defending Dianna and the Dolls.

But, as with all things that are good...the right thing, wins out over the negative. We are past a year with the show and with the mission of Dianna Williams. We have watched her blossom from a blunt force, trash talking country girl, from Jackson Mississippi, to a beautiful, elegant woman, who can handle herself in any situation. The goal, of helping girls become strong women in Jackson has turned into the sensation of Lifetime TV and has crossed the country like wildfire. Everywhere you go, you find Dancing Doll fans. They are packing the gyms and theaters to get a chance to see all of the Dolls. T shirts fly out the door...girls and guys are signing up for the workshops given in major cities and social media is recording about 250,000 fans and counting. This little ole country girl from down in the Good Ole South, is showing America what they didn't know.


In just over a year, Dianna has taken every opportunity to work and build a positive, long term business. Now, she has created an umbrella of business, that will carry her miles past TV and the Show. She has spent every second planning and using the doors opened to her, to put together a strong conglomerate of businesses. All which will benefit kids and the goals of dancing. Such as the new Dance Studio opening soon, in Atlanta Georgia. With the opening of her new offices, she now can manage things for many ventures, through one place. Having more staff and dedicated associates work directly on projects, will give Dianna more reach and more access to bigger and better opportunities. As we look over the last year and a half, we have not only seen Dianna change and grow, We have also watched girls and women, who also came from Jackson MS, get thrown into the spotlight as well. Women, who didn't start out looking for fame and Hollywood. Just regular, hard working, beautiful women, who wanted their daughters to have every chance possible, to have wonderful lives. Little did they know where it would all go. They have faded dumb stuff..they have taken abuse and negativity, way beyond what most people endure in a lifetime. It has truly shown just how tough and smart, Southern Women are and how willing to fight for better and for our kids, we are.

Tina, Mimi, Selena and Rittany have taken America's hearts by storm. We watched them grow and adapt and be the beautiful Moms, we know them to be. They never wavered, in their goal to help make this show a roaring hit. They have all used this opportunity to help secure better futures for their families and for their own lives. And the girls themselves...WOW..the transformation in pictures from the beginning until now, is amazing. Our BDD...what tough and resilient sweethearts. They are all so grown up and glamorous. From the BDD to our Dolls. It has been like watching butterflies emerge from their cocoons. And,though Kayla has graduated and Tina is no longer an active DDP, so to speak, I feel assured, we will continue to see both of them on the show.

It has been an exciting year for so many in the Dollhouse. It has also been exciting for fans. As a loyal DDS Nation founder & member(Dancing Doll Supporter Nation Founder & Member), I love seeing the reactions of people from everywhere. With over 10,000 views on this blog and thousands and thousands of views on Social Media posts, I have watched the passion take over and watched fans flock to the defense and support of the Dolls, like nothing I have ever seen.

All we have to do is post that someone said something that was negative or hurtful to ANYONE on the Dolls and thousands begin to blow up the opposing views or posts. LOL..No doubt the Dancing Dolls and Dianna Williams of little ole Jackson Mississippi have created a loyalty and a following that is going to last a long, long time. Any event with the Dolls involved sells out, long before its time.Season 2B starts in less than a month and we know the fans are ready. Everybody is excited and waiting to see who our girls battle next and what exciting things will happen at the Dollhouse. I see changes and upsets coming. We will have to wait and see though.

I salute you Dianna Williams and all of the people who have worked so hard to make this happen. I think yall are beautiful and I totally love seeing it happen. It is amazing and reassures me that as I get older and closer to the end of my life, that there are tons of young women teaching our next generation of women to be strong and to go for their dreams. This is so important. The roles women feel they can have in life has changed dramatically, since I was a young girl.
With people like Dianna Williams and the young women she is teaching, women will continue to evolve and grow into adults that are not taken for granted or abused or ignored, because they are women.
I will always be one of your
biggest fans and supporters. God Bless All Of You! On to the next year of success and blessings.

DD4L...DDP...BDD.....DDS NATION...

The Doll Effect

We have closed the door on Season 2A of Bring It. We have watched 5 beautiful young women, go from being kids to being grown, moving into the next phase of their lives. We know from the latest statistics and ratings, Bring It, has been a huge success. Coming in 5th place for Social Engagement for TV Shows on Cable...for the shows airing the week of April 20th. Rentrak Stickiness Is One of The Top TV Ranking sites in the Entertainment World.
 Not to mention, blowing up Twitter several times, over the course of this Season. Any reasonable thinking person, would have to say....The Dolls Are ROCKIN IT, across America and in many parts of the World. This Blog has been read in Russia, Poland, UK, Jamaica and other places and has gotten over 10,000 views...so I know they are being seen all over.
http://www.rentrak.com/section/movies_and_tv_everywhere/top_entertainment_rankings.html#7

When Dianna and the Dolls first came on, we knew they were red hot, but I think folks wondered how far it would go. We were amazed at their dancing and their talent but after the first few shows, we all realized that it was more than just dancing. There was Mama Drama...Dianna showing us how Coaching works and the amazing transformation of everybody in the Dollhouse Dance Factory family.

The underlying attraction to the show was thousands and thousands of young girls, watching regular girls, like themselves, doing something great and succeeding at it. Something that has given them ambition and dedication, in their own lives. We are going to name it, the "Doll Effect". I have watched it in my own granddaughter. When she first saw Bring It, she was hooked. When I asked her about it, the first words from her mouth...was, "Yea, Ms Dianna don't play about dancing"!...LOL..

She has participated in the Dance Camps, been my riding buddy down to Mississippi, to see them in person and is signed up for the Dallas Camp in July. Her goal is to play basketball and go to college, but her love of dancing, has been the motivator for many other things in her life. She has seen, if you are willing to go for your dreams, you can do anything. I am sure this has been, the same reaction many young girls have had. The "Doll Effect" has taken a hold in the lives of many and is motivating many.

I don't know if Dianna KNEW, when she started this whole TV Show journey, she would have such a huge impact, on so many lives. She knows, what she does, works for the girls that physically come through the Dollhouse, but I am not sure she has grasped, just how big this whole thing really is. Her recent trip to South Africa was probably a huge clue, but being humble and never self gratifying, she wouldn't take credit for just how much influence, she really has.
And not just her influence, but the whole Mother-Daughter relationship playing out on TV, is a huge influence factor. How often do we see real life Mothers and Daughters dealing with real life issues. And these Moms aren't Hollywood and rich. These Moms are just as down to earth and everyday folks as you or I. We have fallen in love with who they are and how much they love their families. We watch them struggle with fame and with the many things being on TV has created in their lives. Both good and bad. So many of us can identify with their lives, before Bring It and how they must be feeling, learning to live, in this exciting new life.

I enjoy the excitement and fun that Bring It, brings each week. I enjoy the great conversations on the Social Media sites, about the show. It has been a blast to meet many of the cast and to get to know them over the last year and some months, through Social Media. It has all been a wild ride, but for me, the memories and the things that will last are the wonderful lessons and the beauty of watching girls blossom, into strong young women. Women who are ready for the world and what it will throw at them. Those are the things that keep me watching this show... The "Doll Effect"!

We know that Bring It isn't slowing down and would appear to be picking up even more steam. Season 2B is just around the corner. We are all anticipating more fun plus lots of new things happening. With new Co-Captains taking the floor and girls graduating from the Baby Dolls, we know the dancing is going to be bigger and better than ever. We also know, we will all be neck deep in the business of the Dolls. Watching and loving them...getting new favorites and defending and bragging on Social Media...anything DD4L.

It has been an amazing journey, for the Williams Family of Jackson Mississippi and for the entire Dollhouse Factory Family. I foresee a much more exciting ride to come.  I also see many more wonderful memories for the girls and for the thousands of fans, that love being there on Friday Nights. The "Doll Effect" has taken America by Wildfire...and continues to burn into the hearts and homes of us all. We can hardly wait for Season 2B, but will watch reruns and post pics on Social Media, to hold us over, until July. We pray for Dianna and the girls, as well as the DDP. Being on TV looks easy but when you see the things they deal with, you know it isn't. We hope they know, we will always support you and defend you. Thanks for what you do...The Doll Effect &  DD4L...Are YOU READY?

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!

IS THIS THING ON? IS IT RECORDING?

Okay DDS Nation...We are having a contest! 

It's the DDS NATION...

IS THIS THING ON? CONTEST...ARE YOU READY?

We want to see YOUR best 30-60 second "Is this thing on, Is it recording videos...We are going to share them and the 2 BEST videos are going to win DD4L Gear of YOUR Choice...If you haven't seen Ms D and her videos, then you are missing lots of fun. We want you to join the fun.. If you haven't seen one..check the video below for a clip. 

CONTEST STARTS NOW! ...READY! SET! GO! SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!

Submit a 30 second video made using your phone or tablet..give us your best shot...There are a couple of rules:

1.  Of course...about 30-60 seconds....no longer please
2.  You have to start the video with "Is this thing on? Is it recording? Well, I see the red light flashing, so it must be recording.....then whatever you want to say...funny...complimentary....down right crazy...YOUR CHOICE...Do it with your friends....
3. POST ON ONE OF THE DANCING DOLL FAN PAGES...THERE ARE 5... 1. DDS NATION...2. DANCING DOLL FAMILY & SUPPORTERS, 3. BRING IT FANS AND FRIENDS, 4.DANCING DOLL OFFICIAL FAN PAGE OF NORTH CAROLINA, 5. BRING IT FANS #DD4L

PRIZES FOR BEST VIDEO......

1ST PLACE MOST VOTES: 1 DD4L GEAR...SHIRT..HAT...SWEATSHIRT..YOUR CHOICE

2ND PLACE: 1 DD4L T SHIRT...YOUR CHOICE

WANT TO INCLUDE FRIENDS? UP TO 4 WINNERS PER VIDEO....

SHOW YOUR #DDSNATION SPIRIT..

IS IT ON? IS THIS THING RECORDING? 

Nasty Attitudes Or Divas? Neva & Dianna!

I wasn't sure I wanted to write about last week's show. From the minute it came on, there were sparks flying. The competition, Divas of Olive Branch came, full of vinegar and ready to show out.

To recap, the last time these two teams met, there was nastiness and behavior, that would have been better placed in a grade school. We see men competing and boy attitudes creating struggles of manhood, all the time, in any game they play. But when women are in competition, the level of competitiveness & nastiness, goes to a whole new level.

It is easy to see Dianna's attitude change, when Neva is close by. You see her face change and her jaw tighten. Neva is just as obvious. The minute you see her, on the show, she is huffing and puffing and blowing hot air about Dianna. Its also obvious, this has been a long standing rivalry. Before, Bring It and before we all knew about these dance teams.

For several shows, since Bring It came on, we have been watching the storm brewing. Little snipes back and forth...giggling and trash talking going on...no doubt it has been building to an explosion.
The last competition they met, Neva ended up leaving the building with her team, before they announced the winners. This set off a fire storm of comments about bad sportsmanship and an adult acting childishly. Comments on Social media ranged from funny to down right mean. Everybody was surprised that she chose to just walk out. I mean, is that really teaching those girls, positive life lessons? Life lessons that will benefit them long after this?

I would say, NO! What it taught them was, when the going gets tough, turn tail, run and hide. Put your head in the sand, so you don't have to hear bad news. Don't face the fact that you may not have done your best or that you may have acted like a spoiled brat....just run!

Now, last week, we see Neva come in, to specifically face Dianna. Neva, though she seems to really care about her girls, isn't always at the top of her game when it comes to setting the example. I think, she thought, she was clearing the air, but it turned into a trash talking session. Dianna was not fixing to play, about trying to have any conversation with her. Before it was over, Dianna flat told Neva she was a joke. I think the whole thing, proved to be more like pouring gas on a fire. A fire already burning red hot.

The thing that was right on, was Dianna's assessment of it all. She said, If Neva can talk trash and act the fool then she has the absolute right to come back and defend the bullshit. I agree. No way, even with the turn the other cheek thing, am I standing still for somebody to talk shit. Bitch you need to get up a little earlier.

From the second the show came on, Neva was proclaiming her Divahood...which means, what? She continued to show out, throughout the night and even joined her team in the Creative Dance Competition. I am not sure if she was a hit or a huge miss. The Divas of Olive Branch were trending on Twitter, but I am not sure, for what reason! LOL. But she came out and threw it down anyway.

We had to know, Dianna wasn't sitting still for any of that. When it came time for Stands, Dianna rocked the floor. We know already that when she hits the floor, all of the other competition, needs to sit down. She did a Death Drop that brought the fans to their feet, in the competition and across the viewing public. I was recording the show and when I listened to it, later, I let out a, "Damn, did you see that"?

Well, we know who won. Regardless of the gimmicks and tricks, which Dianna declared, Neva was the Queen of, the Dolls walked away with the win. Once again, they put everything on the floor and brought it.

This win, has opened the door for Neva, to be even more bitter. With the Battle Royale coming, she is sure to be fired up and loaded for bear. We will be watching to see the outcome. But in the meantime, Social media is not cutting Neva and Dianna much slack for this last show.

There are supporters on both sides of this issue. Doll supporters are, of course, standing up for Dianna and whatever she said or did concerning Neva. Neva supporters feel like Dianna's "Boom, Boom" comments were fat shaming. So the comments have been flying. I think folks have even been put off of Social media pages because of their opinions.

So who is right here? Did last weeks show just prove to stir it up even more?


My opinion.....Folks are human. I am not authorized to judge. My own reaction, is just like I said above...When it comes to talking trash...I don't start it, unless I am provoked...I attempt to turn the other cheek, as much as possible..However, with only 4 of those, patience can run out, pretty fast.

I know for sure, I am not going to stand by and let anyone talk bad, when they started the whole thing previously. So, for me, this is a goose and gander situation. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander...which for those, unfamiliar with that quaint country statement, means if you dish it out, you damn well better be ready to accept it back. Dianna is fiery to begin with. She stands up for what she believes and she doesn't accept ignorant behavior, from those around her.

I think she got angry for good reason. I think Neva felt she did too. So both of these tough ladies are going to have to get that opinion, to gel with their beliefs, for leading these impressionable girls, they are in charge of. Were the behaviors of these ladies, building character in those entrusted to them or just showing them how to participate in a Cat Fight?  I don't know. Again, when the smoke clears with these two, I see Dianna defending and Neva being a bitch. In the heat of anger and frustration, we all say stuff, we normally wouldn't. So, I think this will be a discussion for a while, depending on your personal feelings, about it. Not surprisingly, I felt Dianna was right in this one.

Competitions, whether men or women, boys or girls, always creates high anxiety. People want their team to be the best. They know they have put the time in but regardless of where their confidence should be, getting down to the wire accelerates attitudes. Things are said or done and then things have to be sorted out later. Though I don't think these two will ever be buddies, hopefully they can coexist in Mississippi and in upcoming competitions. The excitement of the struggle being played out on TV is good business for the show and is fun to watch....but when it's all said and done, its about the kids participating....so we will wait and see where the fight goes from here...

Ding.....Ding!

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"!

Tis The Season Of The Mama Drama!

And the Dolls have put their STAMP on Hot 'Lanta! They didn't take the 1st Place in Creative Dance, though, I thought the Creative Dance was fantastic. Not only was the Creative Dance exciting, the Mama Drama in this Episode, was Off The Chain.

It would seem this is the "Season Of The Mama Drama"! From the first episode, one Mama or the other has been mad, freaking out or talking trash about something. From beginning to end, it was non stop trash talking and action with these ladies. We wanted to try and sort it out, as best we could.

Let's break it down into individual issues and summarize from there.

1. Ms. Mimi: Though her name is Mimi, my name for her is Mama.

She is the first one to try and make you laugh or offer support or defend anything Dolls. She is too funny. And that Minnie Mouse knit cap is just too precious. Her Mama Drama is pretty much limited to making sure Camryn has everything she needs, to do what she does. She knows her well and she is always right there to support her. She has high expectations, for Camryn to be successful at her upcoming role in the Captain's position, once Kayla graduates.

Her confidence, last night, in Camryn's ability to step up to the Captain position, if Kayla couldn't do it, was a quiet confidence. She don't really just get in your face about how good Camryn is, but you see in her attitude, SHE knows and is waiting for the look on YOUR face, when you see it too. She never confronts Dianna about the ins and outs of her way of teaching. I think her Strong, Quiet way of dealing with everything, gets lots more accomplished, than yelling and screaming.

2. Ms. Tina: I totally identify with Tina.

You know from watching her, she is a tough lady. She is also Kayla's soulmate. They are like peas in a pod. They work very well together. Almost like sisters. Tina's, Mama Drama is totally about "What happens from here" and about Kayla getting every single chance to shine and advance! Kayla is graduating and considering college. That, for any parent, is stressful.

This, would appear to be even more stressful because of the connection to the Dancing Dolls and all of the things that have happened over the last year or so. Tina is trying to make sure Kayla gets the chance to participate, as much as she can with the Dolls, until she is no longer directly dancing with the team. This is compounded this week, by a leg injury. Though Kayla, was obviously in pain last night, she danced and she killed it. But just the thought, she may have to sit it out, was a huge deal for both her and Tina. It created several different avenues of  Drama throughout the DDP and with the girls.

Kayla didn't want to relinquish her chance to perform, but Camryn had made up her mind, if she had to take it and go, she could do it. Tina's relentless stretching and working with Kayla, eliminated any doubt about her ability, to put the pain out of her mind, and just do it.

3. Ms. Selena: (LONG..... SIGH......) This child is something else.

I have to say, being totally honest, I love Selena because she is persistent and dedicated to her family. However, she makes my head hurt. I just want to hug her and tell her, "Bless Your Heart"! Okay, but her Mama Drama is a long, drawn out, situation, we have been hearing from the start of the Season. Everybody knows Sunjai is graduating this year too. Actually, there are several young ladies graduating. But Selena is trying her best to get Sunjai in everything she can too.

This week was almost a knock down, drag out session with her though. She has accused Ms. D of many things over the last few weeks, including her not knowing the difference in the twins. But she was so mad last night, she was almost dancing out front of the Dollhouse. And at the competition, she was totally positive Sunjai would have been the recipe that won the Creative Dance.

We know Sunjai is very good, but it seems her practice results said, she couldn't do the walkover part of the routine. She seemed to be fine with that, but Selena was mad as a wet hen. Not sure I have seen her get quite that belligerent before, though she is surely going to express herself...always! And we surely have much more to see of this child before its over. The twins are shining and getting recognized more and more. We know Selena don't play about ANY of her children. LOL..So whatever she does, its about her dedication to her girls.

4.  Ms. Rittany: Okay, so the Mama Drama here is a Auntie/Mama Drama. Rittany's dedication to Crystianna is beautiful. She does so much to make sure Crystianna has every opportunity possible. A couple of weeks ago, we watched her tangle with Coach D over Crystianna's participation in cheerleading and other activities. Last week, she showed that #DD4L pride and love, when she broke down in tears over that horrible loss, we all watched go down. This week she was playing referee..LOL.
I think it has been a challenging experience for her, as well as the other Moms. The fast fame and the ongoing show, on top of the realities of life, threw everybody a curve ball. Their ability to adapt and thrive, has surely made for short patience and raw nerves. Rittany, though talking about potentially taking Crystianna to another team, has an undying loyalty to the Dancing Dolls. She will never convince me, she could ever leave.

5. Ms. Tawantza: Our newest Mama Drama lady. Tawantza came into the Show like a rocket. Her fiery attitude and total dedication to her daughter Zatia, matches any of the other parents for sure. She wants Zatia to have the opportunity to show how good she is, just like everyone else. But this girl is not going to sit around and wait for somebody to walk up and hand her a damn thing.

She is working hard to make sure her daughter is doing all the right things to succeed. Her alliance with Selena has been interesting to say the least. Her quickness to SAY, The other team nailed it, has created a firestorm of controversy on the Internet. Ms. Tawantza has hit the show like a lighting bolt. She hasn't slowed down in the least. We have yet to see just how much Mama Drama this young lady is going to bring, but we know we haven't seen the last of it.

Summary: So as we take a look at the Mama Drama on the TV Show, it makes you wonder what happens behind the scenes. What does the rest of the Mamas think and say about the whole thing. You know everybody wants their daughter to dance and be a part of the Show. They want the same opportunities, as the few that we see each week.

Do they express this out loud to anybody or are they just patiently waiting and hoping their child gets a chance? Now, there is some Mama Drama for you. All of those other girls who we see but never know who they are....behind the closed doors of their homes..are they coaching and encouraging their own girls to work harder and get better at dancing, so they might have the same chances as Kayla and the rest? Just like parents across the country, I am sure all of the DDP'S are doing whatever they can to offer support and opportunities to their kids.

We haven't seen the last of Mama Drama's on Bring It. It is just a natural part of the process. Where there are kids and Moms competing, there is going to be "Mama Drama"! I guess, as Supporters and Fans, it is our chance to see how human, they really are and to learn by example. Whether we feel that Selena is our example or Ms. Mimi...whichever one is your favorite, then you are going to feel they are doing it right. So cheer them on for the rest of the Season! It will be fun to see what happens. Stay Tuned DDS Nation!

A Lifetime Of Dancing: Graduating From Baby Dancing Doll To The Dancing Dolls: Meet Kayla Griffin

In our ongoing effort to get to know our Dancing Dolls better, we are introducing Kayla Griffin, this week.

Yes, I did say KAYLA..not our Current, Captain Kayla, but a graduate and previous Captain, from the Baby Dancing Dolls. Kayla Griffin is a familiar face, that you just didn't know, was familiar. You have seen her on Bring It and more than likely, have seen her on Facebook or Twitter. She is a beautiful young lady, who stands out in her dance and her personality.

We talked with Kayla's Mom, Meia. We wanted to know everything she was willing to tell us. Of course, our first question was, How long has Kayla been a member of the Dollhouse Dance Factory? Her Mom told us, Kayla joined the Baby Dancing Dolls at the ripe, young age of 5. She has been dancing now, for 6 years. The next obvious question we had, was: "What has it been like for Kayla to transition from the Baby Dancing Dolls to the Dancing Dolls? Are there going to be more practices? More time involved to participate? She told us that the change has been a definite challenge for Kayla. She said, "Dancing with the Dolls is a whole new world. Even though they are 1 team, they dance on totally different levels." And of course practice is longer she told us, because the dance styles are so different." Well, of course...LOL...She also said both teams "Bring It" when they dance but the Dancing Dolls do a lot of stunts and routines that are much longer than the BDD."

Our next question was about Kayla's favorite style of dance. Meia said, "One thing I wanted Kayla to be, when she first started dancing, was versatile. She started with ballet, Tap and Majorette, but overall her favorite is Majorette and that seems to be her stronger type of dance."

And you know we could not let this great chance go by without asking about the future and what Kayla wants to do after the Dolls and school? Does she want to go to college? Will she stay involved in dance? Meia says the decision to continue dance is something Kayla will decide as she gets older. She does have a deep interest in Engineering and her college of choice will probably be Mississippi State. If she continues to dance, Meia says she will be happy with whatever decision she makes. She told DDS Nation, "I support Kayla in whatever she decides to do."

Since Meia is a DDP, we were wondering about her dance history and experience. We were so surprised to find out that Meia was actually a Dancing Doll herself. Under the direction of a lady named, Ms Charollette. Meia is like all proud moms. She told us, "It's amazing that Kayla kept the legacy alive...or is okay to just say, She Gets It From Her Mom?" And we know that is where she gets it girl. You go with that one. I like that description.

We wanted to know what effect, being on the Show and being more recognized, has had on Kayla and the family? Meia told us that Kayla didn't tell her friends at school about being on the Show, until recently. Which was an easier secret to keep in private school. However, other people recognized her walking by and would stare & say outloud, "Theres that Captain from the Baby Dancing Dolls". Others just come up and ask for a picture with her. Her Mom says it has definitely been an adjustment, to get used to folks, doing the things they do. Meia says Kayla is pretty neutral about the show. She just loves to dance..if she is on TV..cool..but to her the bigger thing is dancing..

We also wanted to get an idea of what parents like Meia, thought about the Show and all of the popularity. She said it was a mixed blessing for Jackson and for The Dollhouse Dance Factory. Exposure for the team is great and letting the world know what Jackson, Mississippi has to offer, is absolutely wonderful, she said. She said on the negative side, it had created many emotional situations among parents. Parent's, whose children, are not chosen to be on TV, tend to get on their feelings pretty easily. Meia was quick to add, "It's been a rocky road, but with God, all of this is possible!"

Our final question for Meia was about Kayla becoming Captain of the Dancing Dolls someday. She told us that people are always asking her about that. She said, "She might, you just never know. I am just waiting to see what the Dancing Dolls have in store for her." And we know that Kayla has been a fantastic Captain for the BDD, so being Captain for the Dancing Dolls, would be a natural transition for her.

We know at DDS Nation that Kayla is going to be an exciting addition to the Dolls and is going to dance her heart out. We look forward to watching her grow up with the Dancing Dolls. Hey Kayla...we are DDS Nation and We Are Behind You 125%!   Thanks Meia for giving us a wonderful interview. We will be watching and cheering for ya'll.