Every once in a while, you witness a moment that reminds you: good people still exist. Trunk or Treat weekend was full of them.
Our annual Trunk or Treat wasn’t just an event — it was a living, breathing reminder of what community looks like when people show up for each other. We do it to create moments that matter — the ones kids will remember long after the candy is gone (because mom ate it all. Yes, I eat more of it than the kids!) Moments where families slow down and enjoy being together. I often hear people say “back in the day, I could run around my block, and go back home when it got dark because everyone looked out for each other. You don’t find that anymore…” , I beg to differ. We experience many of those moments at our events, where hundreds of eyes look out for every child, because around here, we take care of each other. Around here, we do look out for one another. We Level Up the meaning of community.
And of course, with alllllll of that, Trunk or Treat was a blast — local businesses jumped in to join the fun, we surprised families with free Kona Ice, our Uplevel dancers rocked their performances, there were crafts, party dances, costumes everywhere and, the main event… THE TRUNKS. Creative, funny, spooky, epic — you name it, our families went for it.
But that’s not really what this story is about.
Last year, we raffled off a free costume to one of the participating trunk families. The winner didn’t keep it. They quietly asked us to give it to someone who needed it more. That simple act of generosity reminded us of how magical all of you are. Shortly after, another family donated $2,000 so a dancer could experience performing in Disney with us — a dream they otherwise couldn’t afford. That is who our families are. That is the heartbeat of this place.
So this year, inspired by that generosity, we gifted a FREE costume to every family who decorated a trunk as our way of giving back. But here’s the part that gave me chills…
So many families responded by saying:
“Thank you so much — please pay mine forward.”
Read that again.
Blessed people bless people. And our studio is full of them.
Yes, we teach dance. Yes, we build work ethic and discipline. But more than anything — I hope we are teaching what matters most: when you have the chance to give, you give. You look out for each other. You lift others higher. You choose heart.
Our culture isn’t built by me or Mr. Adam. It’s built by YOU — the families who show up year after year, who take care of one another’s children, who cheer for every dancer, who bring joy, kindness, and connection into these walls. What we have here is rare, and I don’t take it for granted.
Thank you for building a place where giving is normal. Where community is real. Where childhood still gets to be magical.
Until next time, may you enjoy the real TREAT in life — the everyday ordinary miracles we get to keep with us forever. And of course, don’t forget to join us at our Santa Spectacular❤️.
With a grateful heart,
XOXO,
Jennifer
