Dance Artistry Unlimited, Inc.

Week one of Summer Workshop began today. I couldn't resist taking a picture of America's newest little super heroes! Extra shoutout to Isla and Millie's mom for the on-theme Ballet buns today!

It's not too late to register! Toda one of my favorite summer fun activities. Don't forget to bring your favorite handheld stuffed animal!

This picture of my "littles" during technical rehearsal last Saturday is exactly what I looked like yesterday and most of today.

Our recital was last Sunday and I'm so proud of my dancers! We lost a month of rehearsal time between the time I was with mom and my time in Massachusetts preparing for her service and burial. Somehow, every dance was finished and every dancer gave his/her best on stage. Despite no-shows and a last-minute miss due to illness, each class pulled together and I couldn't be more proud. Miss Maddy thank you so much for keeping things going at the studio while I was in Massachusetts. I truly appreciate your time and effort!

I had to move from recital to Senior graduation, underclassmen exams, and my favorite... paperwork... but somehow I made it through the past week. After mom passed, I really just wanted to press pause, but knowing that I couldn't let my dancers and students down kept me going.

Thank you DAUI dancers and parents for another enjoyable recital. Thank you Salem High students and staff who volunteered your time to help backstage and at the door. Thank you DASL Alumni dancers and parents who came to the rescue when I needed reinforcements to fill mom's void and help provide a sense of stability.

My DASL surprise visit and unexpected volunteer help from Miss Jasmyn was definitely a highlight in my weekend. It was so great to see you; what a blessing!

.. and Miss Helena... you did it! After many years and four children I had the opportunity to choreograph your solo and watch you take the stage again. I'm so proud of you. Only a dancer can fully appreciate how much it takes to get in shape for the stage after years away; to keep going when your mind and body are telling you to give it a rest. You committed to the journey and saw it through in only a few weeks. Bravo!

Summer classes begin tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing some new faces along with some of the summer faithful.

Again, DAUI dancers, parents, alumni, supporters, and friends, THANK YOU!

I'm attaching cuffs to the opening routine costumes for my dancers! What else would a dance teacher be doing at 12:30 AM, three days before the recital? 🤷🏽‍♀️

We'll be at Landstown Middle School this Sunday, June 7th at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available at the door; $15.00/person ages 2+.

Unfortunately, my mom will no longer be at the door to greet you, and take your tickets. 😢

The studio is closed today. Take time today to remember those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

I just arrived home from watching "Michael" with some of my Company dancers after a short, three-hour rehearsal this morning.

My only opportunity to see Michael in person was when I attended The Jackson's "Victory Tour" in Providence, Rhode Island growing up. Until then, I had paid little attention to them. After the concert, I was obsessed and became a lifelong fan of Michael's music, going back to listen to everything.

We really enjoyed the movie and it was nice to do something with my girls outside the studio at such a hectic time of year! It's uncanny how well Jafar mastered his uncles voice and mannerisms. I can't imagine what it was like for his sins and brothers to watch the film.

Anyway... the film was energizing and motivating, as we're now only two weeks away from our recital and working diligently to recover the choreography time lost while I, understandably, focused on my mom.

With God's favor, we'll be ready. June 7th @ 1:00 PM, ready or not, here we come!

DAUI dancers and parents are the best! Thank you for the emails, cards, flowers, and gifts. They have been such a blessing during this expected and challenging time.

Love, hugs, and dancing always! - Miss Sonya

So... I didn't really tell anyone local about mom's death until Monday and Tuesday of this week. First off, I didn't want to ruin anyone's Easter/Resurrection Sunday, and secondly, telling more people would make it that much more real. I wasn't ready for it to be real...

I've been waking up around 5:00 AM each morning (my mom would be thrilled if she were here), but yesterday, when I awoke, I finally felt motivated to write her obituary. It's posted on the funeral home's website as of this morning.

If you haven't already sent flowers, I have another option I'd like you to consider to celebrate my mom's memory. No, it's also not the tree, card, or gift options the funeral home provided. It's something that the funeral director and I discussed yesterday, since I can't possibly drive all the flowers or plants home with me.

Michael has helped me through my grandma's and my Dad's services, so we speak pretty candidly. If the registry link isn't already there, I'll share more in a bit...

P.S. For those of you who knew my mom, after you read her obituary, please sign her book via the link and/or share your thoughts. It would mean a lot to both of us.

https://www.celebration.com/registry/Celebration-Registry-16911-Sonya%20Leigh-McGee-bwK3dgiZV0s8W9pXveSnjp

Hester S. McGee Obituary April 2, 2026 - Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel View Hester S. McGee's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

My beautiful mom, Hester Sarah McGee, unexpectedly moved on to her heavenly home Thursday evening. I'm sad, angry, and holding tightly to the peace of God all at the same time.

Thank you to the DAUI alumni, dancers, parents, friends, and supporters who knew and cared for my mom. It will be strange not to have her greeting everyone at the door, collecting tickets, and running concessions during intermission at recital time. She could also clean an auditorium, dressing areas, and bathroom in record time at the conclusion of each performance!

I love you mom. You've left me far too soon and I will miss you dearly my remaining parent, overly eager advice-giver, and amazing travel companion who has now traveled on without me.

Farewell, God bless, and thank you for the many years of time, support, sacrifice, and love. I am your legacy, as is the love and kindness you shared with so many!