Dance Dad-By Kendall

 Hi everyone, my name is Kendall Wheeler, and I am the eldest child in the family. My dad was always supportive of me. There was not one idea that I had that Dad didn’t respond with “let’s do it” (unless it was impossible). While studying dance at the Straz Center for Performing Arts, my dad and mom were an amazing team with a mission: helping me to reach my dream of becoming a ballerina. I remember having to get up early on Saturday mornings, so that I can get to dance in downtown Tampa. Before I would go into class my Dad would always make sure that I followed our special stretch routine before class started. My dad was always excited to watch me dance, he knew it was my passion and was the best dance Dad I could ever ask for. In 2018,  I got an opportunity to audition for The Moscow Ballet in their production of "The Nutcracker”. I was so excited, but it was a long run of auditions. One day, Dad got home from work, sat down with me at the table and said, “They finalized the cast."  He gave me a disappointed look then continued, “a lot of kids auditioned, and not all of them got in. " He paused for suspense then shouted, “You GOT IN!" I was so happy, I jumped up and down and hugging him. On December 26, 2018, at 7:30 p.m on opening night,  I danced with the Moscow Ballet on the Maffey Theater stage. Everybody was so proud of me; I was proud of myself too. My mom was backstage with me, and my Dad and Aunt were in the audience cheering me on.  After the show, the smile that my Dad gave me as I ran into my his arms lit up the room and made me feel so good about myself. My Dad was one of the most important people in my life, and it pains me more than you will ever know to let him go. But, to be honest I have felt better this week. I have been filled with joy in life, and have been able to enjoy things like get-togethers with awesome, old friends. All the prayers have been taking effect, please keep them coming.  My Dad is the best dad ever and is certainly the best dance dad ever. I know he is watching over me when I need it most.