EVERYBODY DANCES

At CMDE’s StorySlam Performance on June 25 at the Johnson Public Library, CMDE dance teacher Allie Brown shares a heartfelt story about inclusion, community, and the lifelong impact of dance.

Opening with the inspiring words of CMDE founder Shirley Ubell—”Dance should be for every body.”—Allie reflects on how that simple yet powerful philosophy has shaped her life. She recounts her journey from being a young CMDE student to becoming a dance instructor, and how the organization’s mission has come full circle as her twin daughters now dance at CMDE themselves.

Her story is a touching reminder that CMDE is more than a dance school—it’s a community where generations grow, learn, and inspire one another through the joy of movement.

EVERYBODY DANCES

From Tiny toes at one year old
To wise bees snapping strong and bold.
Our doors swing wide. Our hearts are the same.
Every dancer is welcome by name.

Tall or short, fast or slow.
Every body has real rhythm to show.
Round or lean, young or gray.
There’s room for every dream today.

A talent is given to fill the air,
A grandparent’s worlds without a care.
Side by side We leap and spin.
Celebrating the life within.

No matter your shape, your age, your size
Dance lives where courage and joy arise.
Here no mirrors judge or compare.
Only music, movement and people who care.

As an all around thing we believe it’s true.
The gift of dance belongs to you.
A hundred years or just begun
Everybody dances, everyone!

Together we move, together we grow.
Learning the beauty. Our difference is show.
From age 1 to 100 and more
All are welcome through our door.