Luke Bryan Reigns At Spring Break Panama City

Life Imitates Art… Especially for Lee Ann Womack


NY Times Captures 16 Year Old Niece Studying at Russia's Acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet

     Nashville: Given that “I Hope You Dance,” the 6 week country #1 and cross-format hit andwon every award imaginable, has touched millions of lives, it's inspiring and reassuring to realize Lee Ann Womack's own family took the song's sentiment to heart.  In Sundays New York Times World Section, a story devoted to American students who've traveled to Russia to take classes with the famed Bolshoi Ballet featured none other than 16-year old Joy Womack.

     “I almost laughed out loud when they told me she was going to Russia to do this,” says her aunt Lee Ann, one of the Country Music Association's most award-winning vocalists. “But Joy is the kind of girl who's not only not afraid of the dream, she figures out how to make it happen. Hope she dances? I guess I was aiming a little low.”

     The 16-page spread is also featured on  The New York Times website, where readers can view Joy's studies and life halfway around the world, following her passion at an age when most teens are trying to get drivers license. Having taken a summer session in America with Bolshoi teachers, she was invited to return to the actual Academy and study with the 750 best young ballerinas Russia has in their nation.

     “She didn't speak Russian when they asked her if she'd like to enroll,” marvels Womack, who's currently working on the follow-up to her acclaimed  Call Me Crazy. “But she wanted to dance… and this is the highest level you can study at. One of 90 foreign students chosen! She's a strong, willful girl, who knew what she wanted to do! We're all so proud of and for her.”

     Considered one of the best students in her class, obviously Womack will dance and dance for years to come. The power of dreams and songs takes on a literal meaning back in Texas where the aunt sings and the niece dances.

     “It's kinda crazy,” Womack says. “To sing 'I hope you dance…' and then see Joy not just  do it, but do it at this level. All I can say when people ask is 'Wow'…”