Kathy Thibodeaux

Some people might say that Christians who dance are sinful beings. I have been dancing since I was two and half years old and I believe that dancing is a beautiful way to express one’s feelings, and also a way to praise God. In the summer of 2006, I applied to go to a Summer Dance Intensive Class, down in Jackson, Mississippi. My mother told me that it was a Christian Dance program at Ballet Magnificat. Right away, I thought it would be a great way to learn how to dance better and learn more about praising God, but in dance form. When I arrived at Ballet Magnificat, I was so scared because this was my first time being away from home, outside of the state, and I did not know anyone of the other dancers who applied to come there as well. Luckily, I made some friends that night and we still keep in touch. In the morning on the first day, the class that I was assigned to, I went to Ballet Magnificat’s studio. As I stepped inside the building, I saw a glass window and my friends and I watched the dancers dance on the barre. Across the room I saw an older looking lady who looked very graceful. She had her arms perfectly placed in second position and had her feet set into the perfect tondu’. I could tell that she had strong legs because I could see her leg muscles bulging out of her tights. Plus, she was wearing ankle weights while holding her leg up a little more than ninety degrees in front of her. I wondered who she was and I was hoping she would teach one of my classes while I was here in this program. I asked one of the girls closest to me and I asked her what the lady’s name was. Her name was Kathy Thibodeaux.

Kathy in a very pretty costume!

Kathy Thibodeaux began her training in dance when she was six years old. She started to dance with the Jackson Ballet School. When Jackson Ballet School became a professional company in 1978, she was one of the first dancers who became a Principal dancer. In 1982, Kathy was given a silver medal in the II USA International Ballet Competition. She was dancing against dancers from Russia, Finland, and Bulgaria. She performed a solo dance to a song called We Shall Behold Him. On documentary by ABC/PBS, she was featured in it, and it was aired all over the world.

A little bit later in her life, she wanted to start her own company. She wanted to start a company for Christian dancers who wanted to praise him through dancing. In 1986, her wish was granted and Kathy was the founder of Ballet Magnificat.

(http://www.balletmagnificat.com/gallery/archives/index.htm)

I’m so happy and I feel lucky to have visited this studio. It’s nice to see that there is a bunch of people dancing and praising God at the same time. Kathy is a very brave person because she tells people of her faith. That’s a very hard thing to do because she could make many enemies by doing that, or she can make more followers of Christ. She’s honest, loving, and above all, a great dancer. The characteristics of my hero would be all those things. This is why Kathy Thibodeaux is my hero.