My mother carried me into a dance studio on her hip when I was 3 or 4 years old. I wanted to learn to tap dance. Being the mom she was, she wanted to encourage and nurture my budding interests, and so there we were, signing up for class even though the studio said I was a bit on the young side.
A decade later, she was still encouraging me to follow my passions, and we were moving to New York City and enrolling me at the Professional Performing Arts High School on 48th Street. Fast-forward another few years, and my mother was helping me move into my new apartment in Chicago, where I was joining the cast of Wicked. Now here we are in 2026, and my mother has seen every one of my 12 Broadway shows and countless other gigs and performances.
Dance has been one of the greatest gifts my mother gave to me. It is because of her encouragement and support that I was able to pursue this life. Dance has been my safe space when I’m depressed and going through a hard time, and my place of celebration and joy in the good times.
I dance because it feels like sunlight hitting my cheek. Like floating on a river. Or a warm bath. It feels like life force. Like I can move mountains. Like I can extend my body to take up more space—like I have magic and energy extending out of my limbs. Like I am in discussion with the universe.
I am a healer when I dance, and I am healed when I dance. I am in community when I dance. I am joy when I dance. I am freedom when I dance. I am responsibility when I dance. I carry traditions and history and stories when I dance. I am telling a new story when I dance. I can release. I can lock in. I can switch up the beat, change the tempo. I am in the moment.
And now, I am the mother of a sweet 5-year-old girl who asks for “dance parties” at home, and I want to give her everything. But mostly I want to give her a gift as precious as dance has been to me.
Facts Only
* Afra Hines is a Broadway performer
* Her mother signed her up for tap dance classes at a young age
* They moved to New York City so she could attend the Professional Performing Arts High School
* She later moved to Chicago for a role in Wicked
* Hines' mother has attended every one of her 12 Broadway shows and countless other performances
* Hines' daughter is five years old and enjoys dance
Executive Summary
Full Take
The article provides an inspiring story about the power of a parent's support in helping their child pursue their dreams. By signing her young daughter up for dance classes, even though the studio thought she was too young, Afra Hines' mother demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing her interests and passions. This support continued throughout Hines' career, with her mother moving cities with her and attending every one of her performances. The article highlights the emotional and physical benefits that dance has provided for Hines, including serving as a source of comfort during difficult times and joy in good times. It is clear that Hines values dance not just as a performance art, but also as a way to connect with herself and others, and she hopes to pass this gift on to her daughter.
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