Friendship at the Barre: How Ballet Brought Two Families Together

A Connection Sparked in the Lobby

When Hannah Lehner and Lauren Boone first sat together in the Rejoice Ballet lobby, neither could have imagined how deeply that simple act would shape their lives. What began as casual conversations between classes soon grew into a friendship that now extends well beyond the studio walls, encompassing their children, husbands, and an ever-deepening bond between two families.

“I think Hannah and I made a significant connection sitting and talking with each other in the lobby, before our daughters, Louisa and Ava, made their own connections,” Lauren shared. “Hannah and I found an ease in sharing our lives based on the similarity of our C-section births; shared interest in our Southern and Caribbean upbringings; and relatability in our family dynamics.”

Through this time in the lobby, the women discovered they each have husbands with “big kid” hearts and personalities, as well as sons and daughters who mirrored each other’s interests and personalities.

For Hannah, the connection was immediate and effortless. “Rejoice fosters beautiful connections between the students in class, but I would say the girls connected more deeply due to their moms always squeezing in more time to talk before and after class! As we talked, they talked and played. And the boys did too! We began looking forward to our Rejoice catch ups. And gradually the children spent more time together outside of Rejoice as well as in class.”

Bonds That Extended Beyond Ballet

As weeks turned into months, both families realized that what had begun as a shared hour in the studio lobby had blossomed into something much more meaningful.

“It did not take long for us to realize we had something special,” said Hannah. “Initially, we both chose Rejoice for the same reasons. For the quality of the training, the vision that ballet should be accessible to everyone, and for the diverse cultural backgrounds of the families. We both prioritize that sort of connection.”

Their shared values and openness created a space for deep understanding and mutual growth. “The only significant difference between us is that Hannah is Caucasian... and I am Black Caribbean,” Lauren explained. “Yet these are the characteristics we draw our energy from, to tighten the bond we have forged over these past 4 years.”

Growing Families, Growing Friendship

The friendship that began between two moms naturally spread to their children. Ava and Louisa became inseparable, and their older sons, Linus and Jaxon, quickly followed suit.

“They have become the sweetest friends,” Hannah said. “We have watched their relationship grow for 4 years, and the care they show for each other is so sweet. They have no trouble relating and share a love of games, animals, and of course, ballet.”

Lauren added, “The commonality of interests that our sons share is almost scary. They love all things Legos, they love to read everything Sonic, and they are truly old souls... It’s almost like ‘they get each other!’”

Through these connections, both families found themselves leaning on each other in meaningful ways. They support each other by helping care for each other’s kids and managing day-to-day challenges together.

Lessons in Love, Listening, and Understanding

Beyond car rides and play dates, Hannah and Lauren have supported one another through life’s many seasons: parenting challenges, health struggles, and major life changes.

“This is our fourth year at Rejoice. During that time, we have been there for each other through school changes, a move, health challenges, career discussions, and more,” said Hannah. “Lauren has become a trusted friend due to her wisdom, clarity, and deep empathy.”

Lauren echoed this deep sense of connection and gratitude. “Hannah has become my person when life has presented the heaviest or even smallest of challenges,” she said. “There is a genuine, non-judgmental gift I have found in the friendship I hold with Hannah.”

Their shared love of food, laughter, and time around the table has only deepened that connection. They treasure spending time together with their families, sharing meals, laughter, and special moments—like cooking a favorite Jamaican recipe from Lauren’s cookbook.

These special times together also allow for a deeper understanding of one another’s worlds.

“Through my relationship with Lauren, I have learned the value of truly listening to understand, not just to respond,” Hannah reflected. “She has encouraged me that small choices matter and can add up to have a large impact in creating a more equitable world for everyone.”

Lauren shared a similar sentiment: “The inquisitiveness Hannah has even expressed surrounding racial divide and providing a perspective lens, has given us the gift of learning how to connect on a deeper level of living harmoniously with someone who does not ‘look’ like you.”

A Reflection of the Rejoice Community

For both families, Rejoice has been more than a dance studio: it’s been the foundation for connection, growth, and community.

“Rejoice is a unique place where people feel comfortable socializing regardless of their background,” said Hannah. “Everyone is on equal footing. I almost always get teary-eyed at a Rejoice recital... When you look around the auditorium, you see a melting pot. Everyone is joyful, all together with one goal, to celebrate the hard work of the children.”

Lauren echoed that same appreciation. “To have a visual representation of how Rejoice celebrates diversity within the ballet arena, where ballet over the years wasn’t welcoming or accepting of cultural differences... has been the powerful magnet to what has drawn our families together.”

Cora Hedgis, Rejoice Director of School Operations, has watched their story unfold from the start. For her, their friendship is a perfect reflection of what Rejoice hoped the lobby would provide.

“Parents don’t have a lot of time to sit and chat with other parents between running kids to soccer, church, ballet, etc. And it’s so rare to meet someone you truly connect with as an adult,” Cora said. “They probably never would have met if their daughters weren’t in class together at Rejoice.”

Cora added, “We always say ‘it takes a village,’ and Rejoice really has become our own little village where people connect with each other and feel a sense of belonging.”