As the parent of a preteen dancer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how dance can transform a child’s perspective and build their character. Watching my daughter navigate the challenges of balancing schoolwork, rehearsals, and performances inspired me to write the short story Leola’s Turning Pointe. While it isn’t my daughter’s true story, there are undeniable similarities in her journey of self-discovery through dance.
My wife, Deneen Graham-Kerns, a lifelong dancer with a BFA in dance from University of North Carolina School of the Arts, teaches at Ballethnic Dance Academy in East Point, Georgia. She also teaches at Dance Tech and Talent in Kennesaw, where my daughter trains. Over the years, I’ve seen how Ballethnic’s commitment to discipline, artistry, and cultural pride has shaped countless young dancers. As one of the few Black-owned professional dance companies in the U.S., Ballethnic’s legacy is about more than just technical training—it’s about empowering young people to become their best selves.
Through this lens, I’ve observed how dance instills life lessons that extend far beyond the studio. Here are five lessons every preteen, including my own daughter, can learn from dance:
Balancing school projects, homework, and the demanding schedule of classes and performances teaches young dancers the importance of planning and prioritizing. My daughter has learned how to stay organized, even during recital season, when rehearsals seem endless and deadlines pile up.
Not every pirouette is perfect the first time, and not every audition ends with applause. Dance teaches preteens to embrace the process of growth and understand that persistence pays off. Ballethnic’s focus on discipline has shown my daughter that improvement comes from dedication, not shortcuts.
Dance isn’t a solo endeavor. Whether performing in a classical ballet or rehearsing for a contemporary piece, dancers rely on each other to create something beautiful. My daughter has learned to work alongside her peers, supporting them while also learning to trust their support in return.
Ballethnic’s 35-year legacy is deeply rooted in blending classical ballet with African and African-American traditions. For young girls of color, seeing dancers and teachers who look like her has been empowering. These young dancers gain technical skills and a sense of pride in their heritage—a confidence that carries into every aspect of their lives.
As a parent, I know dance classes, costumes, and recitals can add up. But the lessons my daughter has learned—discipline, resilience, and confidence—are worth every penny. The experiences she’s gained through dance will serve her long after she hangs up her pointe shoes.
My daughter’s journey through dance has inspired me and motivated me to explore the transformative power of dance in Leola’s Turning Pointe. The story follows Leola, a twelve-year-old girl, as she navigates the challenges of starting fresh at Ballethnic Dance Academy. Through struggles with discipline and rejection, Leola learns how dance can help her embrace her potential and overcome obstacles.
If you’re a parent of a young dancer—or just someone who loves a story about growth and perseverance—I invite you to read Leola’s Turning Pointe at GregKerns.tv. Or you can hear me read the story in a YouTube video.
It’s a heartfelt look at how the lessons learned in the studio resonate far beyond the stage. And please support the dance world in any way you can.