Every girl is a princess.

That is the message that Amy Johnson is teaching in summer dance camp at Graceful Steps Dance Academy.

The camp is part of Royal Purpose Ministries and is called Princess with a Purpose. Not only does it teach royal etiquette but will explore scripture and their relationship with god.

“Little girls love princesses and all the magic of it,” Johnson said. “We want to teach them that though they were not born with royal blood, that they have a royal heritage. They are daughters of the King.”

Graceful Steps Dance Academy, located in the multipurpose area of Refuge Church on Edwards Lynwood Dr., was inspired by Johnson’s four-year-old daughter, Hannah.

“I have no dance experience but I have a little girl who loves to dance and loves princesses,” said Johnson, wife of Refuge pastor Dallas Johnson. “I wanted find an extracurricular activity for her that incorporated faith and her love of princesses, so I created it for her.”

Each dance class begins with devotion and prayers and then moves on to stretching and dancing. Currently ballet classes are offered for ages one and a half to 12, but Johnson is looking to add on a tap dance class.

Johnson found Amanda Allen Prevette who teaches the classes in December.

“Amanda does the dancing portion while I take care of the marketing end of it with fliers, billboards and phone calls,” she said.

The first semester of classes, there were 14 students enrolled. When classes begin in August, Johnson is hoping for 30 students. Their first recital called “Shine” was standing room only.

“I grew up not believing in myself or being confident,” she said. “Along with their parents, I want these girls to have an outside source telling them they are fabulous and special.”

The Princess with a Purpose Camp begins Monday, July 9, continues through Friday, July 13, ending with a royal tea party. The cost is $60 per child.

For more information about the camp or dance classes beginning in August, contact Amy Johnson at 466-1842 or visit www.gracefulstepsdanceacademy.com

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com