All the Little Girls

2025
Mixed Media, Acrylic on cardboard
35 × 40 in

All the Little Girls is inspired by a childhood memory of watching my cousin's dance class. I remember sitting quietly, captivated by the way she moved with such focus, grace, and determination. To me, it wasn't just dance—it was confidence taking shape. I watched as she learned that beauty wasn't simply about performance, but about discipline, expression, and believing in herself. The young ballerina forms a heart above her head, transforming a familiar dance pose into a symbol of love, care, and self-worth. Her pepper-patterned leotard quietly connects the work to my Haitian heritage, while the soft pink background and delicate tutu celebrate the joy and innocence of childhood without sentimentality. All the Little Girls is a tribute to the dreams that begin in childhood and the quiet encouragement that helps them grow. It honors every little girl who dares to imagine herself as graceful, strong, and extraordinary, reminding us that some of our earliest memories become the foundation of who we are.