When a child makes a commitment to the arts, the entire family, performances, and academics, how do families fit it all in? Local parents shared their experiences supporting their kids’ dedication to the stage, dance, and band.
Cyndee Woolley, Dance Mom of Bridget
Bridget Woolley, a 13-year-old student at Gulf View Middle School and our September cover kid, has participated in structured dance instruction since she was 4 years old. Dance is now an integral part of the Woolley family’s dynamic, according to Bridget’s mom, Cyndee. “It’s just who we are. It informs the rhythm of our year.” This includes summer travel, intensives, workshops, and competitions. Bridget spent one year on a competi-tion team during which she began working in different styles, but the experience confirmed her great love for classical ballet and pointe work.
Bridget and Cyndee Woolley
Training season for dance runs concurrent with the school year, and the time commitment has jumped up a notch for the Woolleys this year. “The dance pro-gram she participates in this year involves 13 to 15 hours per week of training, which is more than she has ever done,” Cyndee said. “On a typical day, I drop her off at school, and then my mom picks her up and drops her off at dance. I then pick her up from dance, and we eat dinner together.” Coming together for this meal is significant. “Every day, no matter how late it is, we eat dinner together,” Cyndee noted. “I hear how her day went, and I cheer her up if it was difficult, or I cheer her on if it went well.”
Committing so many hours each day may sound overwhelming for a 13-year-old, but under the increased pressure, Bridget continues to thrive. “She has big dreams and big goals, which continually motivate her to get her work done faster,” Cyndee said. “And, her grades have contin-ually improved with each increase in time she spends dancing. I can tell when she’s in her zone and in her happy place."
Bridget’s ultimate goal is a career as a professional dancer, and to open a dance studio specifically for therapeutic dance. Cyndee views her role in achieving these objectives as her daughter’s support system. “Bridget’s commitment to dance and hard work is all her. My job is to support her and help her grow into the powerful woman she is meant to be.”
Sandra Annoye, Marching Band Mom of Olivia
Olivia Annoye, a 15-year-old sophomore at Barron Collier High School (BCHS), plays the flute in the Cougar marching band. Her schedule on marching band days is exhausting. The school day at BCHS starts at 7:05 a.m. and ends at 2:05 p.m. Then she practices with the girls’ var-sity golf team from 3-5 p.m. From golf, she goes directly to marching band rehearsal from 5:30-9 p.m. Olivia starts hitting the books at about 9:30 p.m.
“Practice days are very hectic, but fun,” said mom Sandra Annoye. “Fridays are performance days; the Cougar marching band performs at all home football games and most away games. We make those days a family affair. In addition to be-ing spectators, Jim (Olivia’s dad) and I are BCHS Band Boosters and volunteer in the concession stand for home games. We serve as chaperones for away games."
This investment of time and energy by the entire Annoye family has paid divi-dends. “We love the sense of community and camaraderie we feel being part of the BCHS marching band,” Sandra explained. “We’ve met so many amazing parents and students and made great friends. We even have fun working in the concession stand in 90 degree weather. And even though Olivia marches in extreme heat while wearing a heavy uniform and hat, and torrential rain happens unexpectedly during halftime performances, our family feels that the marching band season is too short. We’re always left wanting more.” And the Annoye family likely will get more, as Olivia’s high school band experience has been such a positive experience that she plans to continue to march in college.
Torrie Heathcoat, Stage Mom of Rowan and Ashton
Both Rowan, 14, and Ashton Heathcoat, 9, have a passion for theater. Their parents, Torrie and Andy Heathcoat, have theater backgrounds. “We actually met doing a show,” Torrie said. “It was inevitable that our kids would gravitate to theater. Our daughter, Rowan, started performing at age six in musicals all over Southwest Florida, until sixth grade, when she chose to pursue other interests. Ashton currently attends an arts-based elementary school, so he was exposed to the arts early on.”
A typical day in the Heathcoat household starts early. “Ashton’s school offers before-school activities, so he is a part of Boys in Black, a singing, dancing boys’ group. He’s at school at 7 a.m. to practice,” Torrie said.
Afternoons and evenings also are hectic. “When Ashton is in a show, rehearsals are every day. After the show opens, he performs every other night from 7:30-10 p.m.” Ashton also has voice and dance lessons and plays ice hockey.
The cast of I Am Frankie
Just to make things are little more chaotic is that fact that this schedule often fluctuates. “Ashton has an agent, so when he’s requested for a TV or film audition, it means driving to Miami with very short notice,” Torrie noted.
Ashton also had a regular role on Nickelodeon's I am Frankie, which films in Miami.
The Heathcoats still make room for family time. “We love to go to the beach and watch the sunset. We have monthly game nights and take family walks to reconnect,” she said.
Her advice to parents of other aspiring artists is to be all in, while also making sure that your child wants to be all in. “Have your child as prepared as they can be; have them take singing, acting, and dance lessons. Southwest Florida offers so many classes and workshops. As a stage mom, you have to go with the flow and expect the unexpected. And, if your child isn’t all in, pushing them to perform and audition will not go well,” she explained.
ANNA SNYDER lives in Naples with her husband and daughter. She loves to write, read, crochet, and run. She writes about her family’s adventures at marriedtoafisherman.com.