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AULANDER – Dance with Joy, a dance studio based out of The Place of Possibilities near Aulander, hosted a special dance recital on Saturday, Aug. 31 for a special young man.

Michael Farmer is a 16-year-old boy with special needs – he is diagnosed as developmentally delayed with Aspergers and Autism.

“Michael started asking about tap dancing back in October, so I asked Joy Early about working with him, knowing Joy is a professional dance teacher,” said Christopher Farmer, Michael’s dad. “She took the challenge, except it didn’t appear to as a challenge watching them practice.”

Since February, Early has worked with Michael one-on-one at The Place of Possibilities, teaching him tap and jazz dance. Michael showed enthusiasm at every lesson and progressed each week learning new movements.

Early decided to host Michael’s very own dance recital, The Michael Show, so he could show off the dances he had been working on. Dressed in a blue sparkly vest, bow tie, black pants, and a white shirt, Michael took the stage in front of family and friends on Aug. 31. He danced with a smile and entertained the audience.

He was presented with a trophy from Dance with Joy, along with flowers from various family members and the CEO of Place of Possibilities, Laura Early.

“I never thought my son, Michael, would have his own show tap and jazz dancing, but he did, and it seems he wants to continue,” said his dad.

Michael will continue taking private dance lessons with Joy Early throughout the school year.