Haywood Moments Gives Back This Holiday Season
- Stephanie Herrera-Haywood
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Giving back to my community here in Federal Way has always been close to my heart. As a photographer, I love using my time and talents to capture memories that bring people joy—and whenever possible, I want my work to also make a difference. This past summer, I had the best time photographing moments at my church’s Vacation Bible School. It was such a reminder of how meaningful it is to stay plugged in locally. That same desire to give back inspired me to connect with my daughter Everly’s dance studio, Children’s Dance Theater.
Why Children’s Dance Theater Means So Much to Us
Everly is now in her fifth year dancing at Children’s Dance Theater (CDT), and this studio has truly become a second home for us. She takes tap, ballet, Acro, and hip hop classes, and also participates in theater— between dance and theater she will have six performances this school year! Beyond the amazing training, what makes CDT special is the community. We’ve shared so many hugs with friends who now feel like family, and every time we walk into the studio, we feel welcomed and inspired.
Children’s Dance Theater offers far more than just dance. They provide dance, theater, art, and preschool programs led by incredible teachers and staff. Watching Everly grow in confidence, creativity, and friendships through this studio has been such a gift.
The Story of Children’s Dance Theater & Its Foundation
Children’s Dance Theater was founded in 2007 by Stephanie Cox, who first opened the studio in a small basement space. Since then, CDT has grown into three thriving studios located in Federal Way, Auburn, and Maple Valley. Over the years, Stephanie’s vision expanded into something even greater: the Children’s Dance Theater Foundation (CDTF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 2019.
The foundation is dedicated to the cultural enrichment and education of the community through the arts. They provide scholarships to dancers and produce breathtaking professional ballet performances twice a year—including The Nutcracker and the Spring Ballet. Because CDTF is a nonprofit, it relies on the generosity of corporate sponsors and individual donors to continue offering these opportunities.
How Haywood Moments Is Giving Back
This holiday season, Haywood Moments is proud to support the Children’s Dance Theater Foundation. For every Christmas Tree Mini Session booked, I will be donating $25 (about 16% of the session fee) directly to the foundation. If all sessions are booked, together we will raise $600 for this amazing organization!
This is more than just photography—it’s a way to capture your family’s memories while also supporting local kids, the arts, and the heart of our community.
Book Your Session & Make a Difference
Spots are limited, so be sure to book your Christmas Tree Mini Session soon. Let’s work together to create lasting memories for your family and lasting opportunities for young dancers.
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Thank you for helping me give back to a place that has given my family so much joy.
Xo Stephanie Herrera-Haywood
PS- Peep my little dancer her first class of CDT. God bless Stephanie's patience as she had to hold Everly for her first few or several classes.
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