Thankful Heritage Museum African American doll collection on exhibit at High Point Museum until March 1

By Felecia Piggott-Long, PhD The lyrics of Deniece Williams rang out across the auditorium of the High Point Museum on Saturday, Feb. 22, when the Just Dance Studio crew gracefully performed a ballet presentation to the song “Black Butterfly.” Their style and craft were unified as they moved together across the floor.  “Black Butterfly, sail across the waters / Tell your sons and daughters what the struggle / brings.  Black Butterfly, set the skies on fire / Rise up even higher / So the ageless wings of time can catch your wings / oooh  ooooh ….”  The members of the Just Dance Studio, under the tutelage of Sandy Alston, Sarah Wiseman, and Mama Donna, were pleased to highlight and recognize the journey and transformation of some of the Triad’s Black Butterflies.  The dancers were Olivia Richardson, 13; Kylie Dickens, 12; Triniti Stevenson, 11; and Ryann Robinson, 11. Alston wanted the dancers to participate in the exhibit.  “It was important for them to be a part of this exhibit because they are Black ballet dancers. It is very appropriate that they have chosen the responsibility to dance in recognition of local contributors. They have come together to work together,” said Alston. ...