07/04/2026
Hi Dance Friends,
Yes, that’s me in my Bicentennial outfit that my grandma made me for a Christmas gift a few months ahead of America’s 200th birthday. At the end of the school year in 1976, our school had a huge Bicentennial celebration. We all wore some sort of costume, each grade sang a song about America, the school substituted our normal field day athletics with games closer to colonial times and communities held themed parades.
For my entire life, I could have described this outfit to you in detail. The elastic at the wrist, the bandana-like print, the lace fringe, the apron and, of course, the bonnet. I probably only wore it a few times, yet I remember all of this outfit vividly. I was in Pennsylvania for a few days helping a parent do some final selections from my childhood home. I was hoping to find this dress. No luck on the dress, but I did find this photo and others that I’ve never seen. Even better!
There is something about a costume, uniform or special outfit. It helps announce that you are a part of a community: you are needed, you are important, you are loved. Those emotional synapses give memories staying power.
Little Me had no idea this outfit would be so memorable. Older Me understands how important feeling good (loved, included, etc.) in a second skin can be. We’ve built a business around helping dancer athletes/artists be successful and loving who they see in the mirror. Thanks for shopping with this small business and including us in your memories and community.
Here’s to celebrating milestones and making memories! Happy 4th of July!
