Dancers of all ages took the stage at Timber Creek High School as Movez Dance Academy celebrated its end-of-season recital. Among them, 10-year-old Brielle Fortis stood out with nine performances and a role as a student-teacher, showcasing a rising star in motion.

The day begins before sunrise. By 5:00 a.m., in homes across Central Florida, mothers are carefully gathering false lashes, hairspray, rhinestone-studded headpieces, safety pins, and energy bars. Competitive dance day has arrived, and while the audience sees perfection under the spotlight, the preparation behind the curtain is a finely choreographed routine of its own.