Today we are featuring Miss Donna in our latest edition of “Getting to Know You”!  The “Getting to Know You” series helps us get to know each of the Dance Connection teachers and staff we get to see at the studio every week and learn a little bit more about them.

• Why do you love teaching dance?  I love teaching dance for so many reasons! Whether it be watching the tiniest or tallest dancer step on stage for the first time, all the giggles, smiles and belly laughs of my babies in class, my adults who love to dance as much (or more) than the kids, watching a dancer accomplish their goals, learning about so many students and their families, watching them grow up before my very eyes and then teaching some of my former students’ children! Teaching at DC has given me such fulfillment and a feeling of pride for what I do, and given me a second family. 
• What is an accomplishment you’re most proud of? An accomplishment I’m most proud of is my daughter, Brooke-Ashley. We had some bumps along the way, (LOL, like every parent/child) but she is a loving, responsible, hard-working young woman who has overcome so much and no matter what, “Just Keeps Swimming”! And of course my husband, Tommy….we have built a beautiful life together with our “blended family” and I am truly blessed. Oh, and I’m pretty proud that we just bought our first house together!! 
• Who is your hero and why? My hero? For me, it’s HEROES. My mom and dad both. Dad was sooo strong. He fought cancer more times than I can count over an 18 year period before he lost that battle 5.5 years ago at age 83. He had many surgeries, some life altering, some extremely painful and he NEVER complained. Dad was a ridiculously hard worker….sick? What’s that? He never missed a day of work that I can ever remember. He loved my mom and all his children more than life. Mom has struggled with anxiety her entire life. Her faith is what has gotten her through. She’s stronger than she realizes. Last January she was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 86 and had to have major, life altering surgery. She’s 87 now and is a rockstar! My parents had a faith like no other, they raised 4 kids with amazing values, loving hearts, true faith in God, and great work ethic. Thanks mom and dad! 

• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life? Yikes….that’s a tough one. But, I’d say salad. I LOVE to create my own salads filled with veggies, beans and different dressings!
• What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I love spending time with my family. Whether it be with my amazing hubby, daughter and dog or visiting my mom and (which has been tough with COVID). 
• What’s your favorite vacation spot? My favorite vacation spot so far is Barbados. On our honeymoon we cruised to 5 different islands (which were all incredible)and our final stop was to Barbados. It was breathtaking, the people were so friendly and it just had the most amazing “chill” vibe. We can’t wait to go back!