Eighty girls, ages 5 to 14, enrolled in Danielle Taylor’s two-day summer dance camp that was held at Lutcher High School. The camp, co-sponsored by New Orleans Arts in Education, offered the girls a structured and fun dancing experience. The girls were divided into three groups for dance sessions: ages 5 to 7; ages 8 to 10; and ages 11 to 14. This camp afforded the girls the opportunity to enhance their dancing skills in a relaxed, comfortable setting while being taught by young ladies who have danced on a professional level.

Throughout the camp, the air was filled with excitement. On day one the girls were in dance sessions from noon to 3:45 p.m. During a 30 minute break, the girls enjoyed a nutritious snack that was provided for them by the camp. Also, during the break, they mingled and danced freestyle. At the end of the day, Kool Running Party Express was on site and all girls had the opportunity to get nachos and a snowball provided by the camp.

On day two the girls reviewed

and practiced the dynamic diva moves they learned on day one. Later, each group gave thrilling dance performances to an audience of more than 150 family and friends. HerBrena Gordon-Godfrey, guest speaker, empowered the girls with an inspiring speech. Day two culminated with jambalaya, cake and soft drinks enjoyed by all.

When asked why she decided

to host a dance camp, Taylor

said, “I work at Junior dance

camps which are always held in New Orleans. Only a few local kids are able to attend those camps. So,

I wanted to offer the same style camp at home to the local girls. And, it was a very pleasant surprise when 80 lovely girls enrolled in the camp.” Taylor added, “I wanted to empower the girls through the art of dance.”

She said, “Thank God for making this possible and a very special thanks to all the parents of those 80 Dancing Divas for entrusting their children in my care.” “Furthermore,” Taylor said, “thanks to all who helped to make my dance camp a success.”

Dance Camp participants were Khalian Al-Amin, Samira Al-Amin, Ray’Naija Albert, Kennedy Allen, Micah Allen, Darri’Yonne Anderson, Ke’Ara Aubert, T’Mayah Batiste, Armani Braud, Nadia Braud, Allyneisha Brown, Derione Brown, Taila Carr, Diavian

Ceaser, Imani Clark, Saige Clark, Gabrielle Clayton, Caitlin Collins, Ava Davis, Sinasia Davis, Dacie Dumas, Mya Elder, Kennedy Frank, Saige Gant, Daijah Gibson, Zaria Gordon, Breion Green, Deion

Green, Jalisa Hansley, Javonie Hansley, Tierney Harrison, Zahyra Hayes, Shalaya Herbert, Da’Jahnea Jackson, Sydney Jenkins, Eva Johnson, Jaden Johnson, Jai Johnson, Zyion Johnson, Jalani Joseph, Lazireya Joseph, Mylan Joseph, Myrionne Joseph, Jalaia Keller, Joy Ladkin, Jay’Lynn

LeDay, Jazmine LeDay, Ataja

Lewis, Jaiya Lewis, Any’Jai

Long, Kyra Long, Eriel Lovette, Serenity Martin, Konetha McKinley, Diniaa McZeal, Jakoyia Miller, Jalean Mitchell, Jannah Mitchell, Maya Mosley, Nyelle Norman, Rachel Oatis, Ashley Octave, Payton Octave, Kierra Oubre, Shavonne Porter, Khilar Price, Taylor

Riley, Ariel Scott, Madison S

imon, Makenzie Simon, Kharis Taylor, Blair Ursin, Brenn Ursin, Zorya Vancourt, Y’mani Wright, Jaydah Young, Damari Blount, Jai Johnson, Alayah Lee and Trinity Robinson.

Aside from gaining an amazing dancing experience, all camp participants received a certificate, t-shirt, pom-poms and a drawstring backpack.