The Beacon 2020 | Issue 2 The Beacon 2020 | Issue 2 | Page 8

Born to Dance
Gracie Ledbetter’s Story
Miss Shelly has been teaching dance to children with special needs for the past 38 years. She shared, “I was inspired by a
student’s little sister who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Every week my student’s younger sister would stand at the studio
door and watch her older sister dance. In no time at all, the younger sister with Cerebral Palsy began dancing and moving to
the music. It was pure magic and her dancing was so joy filled!” That little dancer inspired Miss Shelly to offer the first ever
special needs dance class at her school, which eventually led to the opening of inclusive dance classes. Miss Shelly said,
“The special needs dance class and the inclusion classes have been inspiring and fulfilling to me. They have also impacted
all the Miss Shelly‘s teachers and students who have volunteered their loving time and talent to make these classes
possible.”
Five years ago, the magic and joy that came from the special needs dance class personally touched Miss Shelly’s own family
when her granddaughter Gracie was born with Down Syndrome. As a baby Gracie was captivated by music and her family
singing to her. Her love for music turned into movement and then dancing. Miss Shelly said, “It was no surprise to us that
our Gracie Girl was born to dance.”
Gracie has been dancing at Miss Shelly’s dance studio for three years. Miss Shelly shared, “Gracie first danced in a mommy
and me dance class with her mom Sarah (who also grew up dancing at the studio and now is a dance teacher there). The
last two years Gracie has been in a regular dance class. She dances with such enthusiasm and joy, singing and interacting
with all her dance friends. Our Gracie Girl has grown so much this year in following directions and knowing exactly what to
do and where to be, along with wanting to engage with her friends. Dancing for all children develops large motor skills and
gives them the freedom of expression and the exuberance of moving. Music, dancing, and singing helps all these dancers
learn sounds and meanings of words. Dancing is a perfect physical activity that helps all children with balance, posture,
coordination.”
Before Gracie was born, Miss Shelly volunteered at Little Light House with her two oldest granddaughters in the
summertime. Many of her special dancers at the studio were also students at Little Light House. When asked about
volunteering at Little Light House she said, “It was the perfect fit for us. My two granddaughters who volunteered with me
have gone on to careers in occupational therapy and nursing. I always knew there was no place like Little Light House. I have
met the most beautiful students, their teachers, and their therapists. It is the gold star place for all these children who are
pure gifts from God.”
Miss Shelly concluded by stating, “On a personal note we are supposed to be Gracie’s teachers, but Gracie has shown us
time and time again that she really is our teacher. Gracie’s drive, courage and zest for life is amazing! She puts life into
perspective for us… what is important, what matters. It’s participating with your whole heart. I couldn’t be a more proud
Mimi”.
THE CREW
Join a passionate and determined group of monthly givers on a mission to discover
solutions that change the future of kids with special needs. People like you, giving
anything they can to transform lives of the students at Little Light House.
In 2020 HELP KIDS BE KIDS
CREW member Dr. Karl Hoskison
“
As a doctor, LLH inspires me and reminds me that small gains can
be huge in these great kids’ journey. When I visited recently, and
witnessed the fantastic staff working with the children, it moved me.
I held it until I was walking out, but had to stop and thank Jesus for
the work Little Light House is doing.
”
The Beacon | 8
Join today at www.littleighthouse.org/thecrew and get a FREE “Helping Kids Be Kids” Tee
9 | shirt.
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