All five branches of the military were honored on Sunday when the students of Step Ahead Dance Studio took to the stage for "Operation: Dance!" This end of the year performance served as a tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces and was the culmination of a dance year dedicated to honoring and encouraging service members. The studio "adopted" the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, based out of Pope Air Force Base, back in September through "Operation: Encourage." Throughout the year, the students have been sending care packages and letters to members of the squadron, but according to studio director Kim Yarborough, what they have gained in return is much more valuable.

“We had hoped to be an encouragement to them this year, and I think we were all surprised at how the tables were turned,” she said. “They have been such a blessing to us, such great role models for us and the kids. They’ve given us something to strive for and shown us what true excellence is.”

The studio was able to showcase that excellence with two performances on Sunday afternoon at the Garner Historic Auditorium. Each dance was based around a military theme, and the stage was decorated with an American flag and the flags of each of the military branches, as well as two pairs of boots to represent those who have been lost. The afternoon was full of flashy costumes, fantastic choreography and energetic dancing. Students performed to songs like "God bless the USA," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "In the Navy." Around 20 veterans and active military members were in attendance at the second show, and time was taken to recognize their service, as well as a moment of reflection for those who have been killed while serving. Members of the 43rd AES were also on hand for the performance. They were recognized at the conclusion of the performance and given t-shirts and pointe shoes decorated by the students.

“It was just a tremendous honor to have them with us and to be able to perform for them,” said Yarborough. “It meant so much to us to have them there.”

Back in November, the students received a personal tour of the base, where they got to try out their communication equipment, climb in a Humvee and board a C-130, the military plane the squadron uses as a hospital and for patient transfer. The studio also sent bags of candy to the squadron back in October, which were hand-delivered to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany and Africa.

“It’s really been an eye opening experience for us to see what military service is all about and how important it is,” said Yarborough. “They have been so receptive and appreciative of our support and the interest we have taken in what they do. We would like very much to keep in touch with the squadron. We’ve created bonds that will always be a part of our lives, and I don’t ever want our students to forget the experience.”

A portion of proceeds from the show will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization designed to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.

To find out more about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.