DCC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT – BETHANY TYLER TINDERHOLT
Bethany Tinderholt was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for two incredible seasons and still stays involved today. She was a part of show group during her second year and got the pleasure of traveling for a USO tour. She spoke of this tour as being one of the most memorable experiences of her life! During her time with the Cowboys, she was also able to appear on Saturday Night Live and be there to witness the acceptance of the Spirit of Hope Award in New York City- a
DCC Jada – Dear Younger Jada
Dear Younger Jada, I want to tell you that there is nothing in life that you will not overcome. You are going to go through good times and bad but remember that you are strong and to always turn to God. Many things in life are going to happen that are completely out of your control, but it is up to you to see the silver lining in everything that comes your way. I know you feel like you are different from a lot of people around you,
DCC Kat – Notes to Self
Dear 7-year-old Kat, You may not realize it now, but what you are going through is needed. I know you may be sad because you cannot live with Mommy anymore; but moving into Oma (grandma) and Papooh’s (grandpa) house will be the best thing that's ever happened to you. Mommy is working more jobs, so you can say, “YES!” to all the opportunities this world will throw your way. Don’t grow up too fast, slow down and have fun where you are. Oma and Papooh love raising you
DCC Armani – Dear Younger Self
Dear Younger Self, I hope that you wake up every day knowing just how amazing you are! No, seriously you are amazing! You will accomplish so much in a short period. Life will not always be kind, but you will persevere and conquer every obstacle that you encounter. I want to let you know that you are so much stronger than you think. “You’re playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
DCC Chandi – Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Younger Chandi, I know times are uncertain right now and you feel like you are a small fish in a big pond but keep your head up. I know you have already had ups-and-downs in your life, but you will overcome everything that life throws at you. Soon, you will be proud of the strong, independent young woman you have become. Right now, you are a young girl in a very big world. You are in ballet, dancing your little heart out. It is your happy place.
A Letter To Young Darian
Darian, Being a black woman in America won’t be easy. It will come with fear and sadness; and you’ll find that sometimes doing everything right still might not be enough because of the color of your skin. Being told that you’re “pretty for a black girl” and that you’re either “too white to be black” or “too black to be white” will be something you hear quite often growing up in a predominately white elementary and middle school. It can be hard to stop letting other people change
Dear Ashlee – A Letter To Myself
Dear Ashlee, Who knew that your natural tendency to lead the group out for dance battles at recess, talent shows, and all things entertainment would be the first chapter? Who knew that you would be who I think about whenever I start to doubt myself and my abilities? Three-year-old Ashlee loved to be with the big kids, praise dancing down the Baptist church aisles, with so much conviction. Who knew that the same three-year-old would make the choice to confess Christ and be baptized? You always knew what
DCC Sydney – A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Sydney, Oh, how time has flown! Believe it or not you are 26 years old now and living amidst a global pandemic! Crazy right?!?! I am writing you now because you will need tough skin and grace to navigate life as a Black woman in America. The experience of being both female and an African-American presents you with a specific vantage point that only other Black women can fully understand. I am not telling you this to discourage you, but rather to encourage you to embrace your
DCC Briana’s Letter to Herself
Clap for yourself. Becoming your own biggest fan will teach you how to celebrate your wins, even when and if there is no audience. In a world where you will often be the only Black student, dancer, and woman, you will need to quickly learn that there is always a place for you, even when others may not see it. The right thing is not always the easy thing, but it will always be the right thing. Your character is who are when no one is looking. Your character
DCC Alumni Spotlight – Monica Cravinas Pennie
Interviewed by Miranda I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana where I attended Louisiana State University. Much to my dismay, I am not a trained dancer. As a student at LSU, I took a few dance classes and got the grand idea that I would try out for the two LSU dance teams- the Tiger Girls, and the Golden Girls. I failed miserably and did not make either team. Call it overly ambitious or just dumb luck, I tried out for the New Orleans Saintsations two weeks after failing