I’ve known Makeia since she was a tween, and to know her as an adult is truly a blessing. I celebrate the victories with her and I share in the burdens of her struggles. Makeia is a fighter! There’s no doubt. We both know how much a system can wear someone down -- not just physically, but very much so mentally. And after years of living in a cycle where there seems to be no way out, it can change your mindset. The mind is such a powerful thing that even long after the chains have been loosened, we can remain bound by those chains. This can be unbelievably hard to escape, which can have an effect on both oneself and future generations.

What does this have to do with dance? What does this have to do with me?

- Mandy Helmlinger, Owner/Founder of Richmond Urban Dance