There are simply no words…our hearts are jumping for joy!

I’ve attempted to start writing this post several times…and every time, I just can’t seem to find the right title….so I am going to introduce this post by saying there are simply no words to describe the gratitude, appreciation, elation, and inspiration that Jade and I have experienced recently. Perhaps Jade and I would be better off choreographing a dance to some music that displays the immense joy in our hearts.

I want you to think about what it looks like when someone is feeling “over the moon” with joy; and remember that many people don’t use words to show their feelings. Think about how it looks when you see someone just “light up” because everything at that moment is in perfect harmony in their world. THAT is what we felt on December 1st 🙂

Last Sunday, my sister and I were YET AGAIN surprised and overwhelmed by the wonderful people in this world.

Our mom had asked us several weeks ago to hold the first day of December open for a “family day”. Neither of us thought too much about it, assumed we might be decorating our Christmas tree, or perhaps going to a show together (although we had just attended a dance show the weekend before for Jade’s birthday so we thought this unlikely).

As we got into the car, Jade guessed that we might be going to Famous People Player’s, a Dinner Theatre that is run by individuals of all abilities. Jade had never been and we had all been wanting to go for some time. I had an inkling that my parents might be taking us out to celebrate our recent successes with Dance Ability, and secretly hoped that there might be a surprise in store involving something related to Dance Ability…but we both really had no idea, and as usual went along trusting my parents, and taking a mysterious drive into Toronto.

When we finally arrived at the destination, we were thrilled to find out we actually were going to Famous People Player’s (good guess Jade!). We excitedly entered the building; eager to enjoy the food and the performance! What a fantastic idea mom…

As we stepped foot around the corner of the entrance into the dining hall, I immediately spotted one our volunteers (and our good friends). As my eyes searched the table she was at I quickly realized I recognized all the others as friends and volunteers as well! From that moment, my eyes darted from table to table, my heart beaming with joy to see the room FILLED with our Dance Ability students, families, and friends. It was one of those moments that you think can’t get any better, but it does, again and again, until it is almost too much to believe. I was choked up…and again no words to describe this feeling of …”yes – you’ve hit the nail on the head – this is EXACTLY my idea of the best Sunday ever, am I dreaming?” What it is to walk into a room filled with people who you respect, care about, and admire so much!

We quickly realized that my mom was only a part of the plan. The whole event had been especially set up by one of our Dance Ability mom’s! She had sneakily asked us for everyone’s emails for a Christmas social, and rounded up a total of 43 people to celebrate the holidays with us. This was truly the BEST gift; having everyone out for lunch and a show, enjoying the start of the holiday season together, outside of the studio! Something we never would have dreamed would happen. As we read the enormous Thank You card signed by the families and students; we both teared up again, hearts filling again with a sense of gratitude that cannot be put into words. Blessed. We are truly blessed.

Fighting back the tears reading this BIG Thank You!

So Jade and I had the surprise of a lifetime AGAIN (twice in one year; we are starting to think we must be two of the most gullible people on earth!).

The dinner was fantastic and the show was outstanding!! Jade had the chance to get up and dance with the Robot; so fitting! We had an absolute BLAST. My favourite part was immediately following the show having all of the dance ability students and their siblings on stage (excitedly waiting for our backstage tour!) talking about their favourite parts of the show; everyone had a different favourite part – the show was THAT good! My favourite act in the show was a gentleman who sang a Christmas Carol that sent chills through every bone in my body; my jaw literally DROPPED to the floor. His voice was phenomenal; we spoke with Diane Dupuy afterwards who indicated that he actually is one of the “tech” guys who is extremely shy!! Oh Yes! We also got to meet Diane Dupuy, she was requested to be there by our Dance Ability mom so we could connect with her. What an inspirational person she is; she has created this amazing facility in which individuals of all abilities SHINE. Differences are celebrated and absolutely everyone can appreciate the artistic talent that goes into these creative performances. It’s remarkable and proves that dreams do come true.

Robot pulls Jade onto the Dance Floor

Outstanding voice!
(Those are our legs – front row centre!)

Doing the ROBOT Dance!!

Here’s a quote from Diane Dupuy

“My passion is to inspire people to achieve more. To instill in the hearts and minds of everyone that dreams can come true when you believe in yourself”.

And we believe the same, dreams absolutely DO come true. We have our own Dance Ability students and families to thank for making our very own dreams come true. Thank you for all who are involved with Dance Ability for recognizing that it is about so much more than simply learning to dance….it’s about believing in yourself (or your child), and working together to achieve things that are beyond even your wildest dreams!

Thanks to the incredible support from our families we continue to set our sights higher and higher!