Dancing For Joy Scholarship
Joy Wilborn was a committed and vibrant company dancer at Studio of MoveMINT. In December of 2019, Joy passed away in a tragic accident and leapt into the arms of Jesus. She left behind family, friends, a community, and a dance studio who loved her deeply.
She was such a lighthouse and gem of a human being, packed with so much heart and so much fire. After Joy's passing, the Fort Worth community came together to support the Wilborn-Mayo family, raising money to support Joy's passions, her impact, and her legacy.
The Dancing for Joy Scholarship is an entire year of dance given to a dancer who embodies everything that we loved about Joy. We will honor her doing something she loved to do– and we hope to help our students feel close to her through MoveMINT, self-expression, and by spreading joy.
2025-2026 Dancing For Joy Scholarship Recipient
Eliza Millican, age 11
"This scholarship is a huge blessing to me and my family. Thanks to the generosity of those that so lovingly support this scholarship, I truly feel like this dance season I can fly! I hope to honor this blessing through my growth as a dancer, but more importantly as a kind and caring girl. This scholarship has given me an opportunity to focus on my art and grow in the many different ways this beautiful studio offers. This includes the opportunity to dance my first solo, and I am thrilled to perform a dance that I hope honors both Joy and God.
I wish to bring joy to the dance floor every chance I get. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old. This is my 9th year dancing, my 6th year at Studio of MoveMINT, and my 5th year on MoveMINT Dance Company. I love dance so so so much. If I could, I would dance my whole life!Since I was little I wanted to be a dance teacher and I still do. I also love being a dance assistant. It's a true joy watching the tiny dancers grow and remembering being just like them…but maybe a little bit more quiet.
I would like to thank Mrs. Meg for creating this place I love so much. Studio of MoveMINT isn’t just a place I have learned to dance, it has taught me life lessons and how to grow in my confidence as a young lady. Dance is not just moving your body, it is a language and the way I best express myself. Dance is a beautiful way to express your feelings and communicate. I love that this place allows people of all abilities to have this safe space and shine some of the brightest little lights in Fort Worth. Mrs. Meg has also built a community of amazing, loving, caring dance teachers. I don’t know if they all know how much they truly mean to me and my sister, Carolina. We admire each of these women so much. I look up to many people in this studio community-including some of my own teammates.
I would like to thank my dad, who is also a combat disabled Veteran, because he has shown me how to work hard, be confident, to love God and never give up. I have looked at him and have seen how much he has changed. After he got back from serving in war conflicts, his brain could not handle all the things he saw-but he never gave up. He is involved much more than he used to be because he was confident, worked hard, trusted God, and never gave up. My dad, mom, little sister and my little brother have all worked hard to overcome a lot, and dancing is one way I hope to shed light on the hard work and faith my family has had.
This will be a season of Joy. I hope you all feel it too. I commit to hard work, kindness, teamwork, and JOY as I humbly accept this incredible blessing and honor."
- Eliza Millican, Intermediate Company Member + Faculty Assistant
