PGR/ AIM Winter Soiree

Last week I went to a really fun event put on by Professionals of Grand Rapids to support an organization that is close to my heart, Arts in Motion which provides art, music, and dance classes for individuals with disabilities. This was such a fun night with live music by the Oxymorons Band , dancing, drumming, a silent auction, and even an Elvis impersonator showing off his skills all to raise money and awareness for Arts in Motion. I’ve always wanted to photograph an event at Meijer Gardens and I know some of the dancers, so when I was asked to document this “winter soiree” it was an easy yes! Here are some of my favorite pictures :)

Festival of the Arts

After a two year hiatus due to Covid, it was so exciting to see Festival of the Arts return to my city last weekend! In true Michigan fashion on Friday I got sunburned while walking around and then Sunday I wore a sweatshirt and raincoat when taking pictures ;) The first two groups to perform Sunday morning were friends of mine, so it worked out perfectly to be there with my camera to capture both of their dance sets. Arts in Motion are the ones featured in this post, they are a local dance and art studio for individuals with disabilities and watching their joy while preforming is contagious, even in the rain they bring smiles. I hope these photos make you smile and if you know anyone with a disability who likes art, dance or music make sure to check them out!

Miss G's ballet recital 2022

I was so happy to be back photographing the 3rd dance recital for the kids of Miss G’s ballet. There was a threat of rain all day, but luckily it held off until the dancing was over and the kids were able to show off what they have been learning to friends and family gathered to watch. Plus, they had snacks and pony rides afterwards as a way to celebrate their accomplishments. This recital had a western theme and seeing the little girls in tutu’s and boots was so cute I could’ve taken photos all day :) Here are some of my favorites!

Rock Royalty Ball

Taking photos of this backyard dance recital was such a fun and unique opportunity and luckily the rain held off until the girls final bows! The five “queens” as they called themselves were adorable, and as a dancer myself I enjoyed seeing the things they have learned in just the 3 months since they started this class. One of the “good” things to come out of COVID is the creative ways people have found to continue doing the things they enjoy and this dance recital was no exception :) Here are some of my favorites from the day (not posted are the bonfire and pinata the girls had afterwards to celebrate)!

YMCA Dance Recital

For the last three years I have been a participant in the YMCA’s annual spring dance recital and though I was not a dancer this year I was still asked to attend the dress rehearsal and take some photos of the kids on stage! Little kids dancing on stage are so cute and I love watching the results of their hard work. Plus, the instructors deserve so much credit for not only choreographing and teaching the kids but also creating their own dance which they showcased at the end of the program. Here are some of my favorite photos from the dress rehearsal day!

HIS Dance Ballet

I love ballet and last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a rehearsal for HIS Dance Academy's spring show "Desert: A Good Samaritan Story" which they are preforming on March 11 and 12.   The girls (and guy) did a great job and I can't wait to see them on the stage next weekend! To purchase tickets to the show go here: http://dcaw.org/events.php?eid=283

Here are some of my favorite photos