Big Brothers Big Sisters Pop Princess for a Day Builds Dreams and Self-Esteem

Roughly 82 teams of Little Sisters and Big Sisters participated in this year’s Princess for a Day at Weissman’s Dance Stu­dio in St. Louis on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 5. The annual event which is organized by the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) and a large corps of community volunteers took a pop star turn this year—and the Little Sisters who participated loved every moment. After selecting an outfit and having their hair, makeup and nails done, the Little Pop Princesses walked a very pink carpet and posed for pictures.

In between the giggles and the posing, the Littles tested their creativity at art tables and celebrated with cupcakes they were able to decorate.

Danielle Valleroy, the BBBSEMO staffer who played a key role in planning the effort, expressed her thanks to the many volunteers who made the day a meaningful time for all who attended. Special appreciation was extended to Lauren Weissman Kerner, of Weissman Dance, for providing the venue, costumes and other dress-up essentials for the Pop Princesses; Elaine Spielberg for the refreshments; and Kristina Cipolla, who photographed the Pop Princesses and their Big Sisters. Underneath all of the glitter, pink hair extensions and gold sequins were very happy teams, Valleroy said.