Tammy's School of Dance Does Disney!

by Amanda Curtis

Staff Writer

Tammy's School of Dance has seen thousands of kids' dancing feet, thousands of costumes, 31 seasons in business, and hundreds of performances. "This one was a dream come true for me," said Tammy Simmons, owner/instructor. The Halloween Spooktacular Parade event at Walt Disney World in Florida is held by a California based company called, "Dance the Magic," and is offered to dance studios everywhere, but not everyone gets to go. "We were given a video of choreography to learn back in August," Tammy said. "We then had to submit a video of our team performing the choreography. It was approved, and 12 of our 19 competition members were able to participate in the October event as the minimum age requirement was 10 years."

Costuming and shoes were provided, but the dance team worked hard to raise funds to make it to the infamous Main Street! "To raise money, we sold recital programs, did a Snap Raise online as well as a braided bread fundraiser. One of our competition moms, Kerri Ellison Anthony, was booked to go on this trip with us. She had cancer and during the summer she became much worse. We refocused our fundraising efforts to helping her during her battle. Kerri didn't get to make the trip, but her daughters did, and I know she was smiling down on us, because they couldn't have done any better. The parents of these dancers are what made all of this possible, and for that I am so thankful."

Lucky for these ladies and gentlemen though, it wasn't all work and no play. After meeting the "Dance the Magic" team on Saturday morning for rehearsal, enjoying a complimentary breakfast and dancing in the parade, Tammy's School of Dance represented Hohenwald, Tennessee as they explored the park. "That night," Tammy said, "we got special arm bands to enter Hollywood Studios at 11:00 p.m. for a private party just for the dancers! The Tower of Terror ran non-stop for participants and their families, and there was a DJ with music for dancing and food provided. It was such a fun day and night, and I am so very proud of each one of them. This really was a dream come true!"