MERIDIAN, Idaho — Something really special happened at a recent Meridian High School basketball game. The Ida-Homies took center court at halftime to perform with the Warriorettes dance team.
Meridian's Brooke Johnson founded the Ida-Homies.
"So, the Ida-Homies are a ten man and woman squad of adults with Down syndrome, and we come together once a week and we dance," Johnson said.
Johnson was inspired to put the group together for her 21-year-old daughter, Sky because she loves to dance. Johnson said she still remembers the day she was born, and when she was told her baby girl had Down syndrome.
"I didn't have the most positive experience in the hospital, they told me all the things she couldn't do, and I looked right at the doctor, and I said we'll see," Johnson said. "That's right when I knew I was going to be an advocate for her, and nobody was going to tell her what she couldn't do, she was going to determine that. As her mom, I wanted to give her every ability to be able to accomplish anything she puts her mind to."
Johnson has done just that. KTVB caught up with Brooke, Sky, and the rest of the Ida-Homies at the basketball game to see them perform. The whole gym was filled with joy and smiles.
"It's so awesome to have them come together and show their love to the world through dance," Johnson said. "They don't hold anything back. They feel the beat like no one I have ever met!"
The group was met with deafening cheers and applause at the game. The Ida-Homies are a certified hit.
"I think pure joy is what I'd use to describe what we did in there tonight," said Rachel Burns, an Ida-Homies volunteer.
"There is just so much happiness and they truly dance like no one is watching," said Gabby Morales, volunteer dance instructor.
Johnson is making a huge difference in the community. Not just for her daughter, but for so many others.
"It's being a mom, you know. They are capable of anything they set their minds to, all they need is a good cheerleader in their back corner, and they can do anything that you and I can do. We have an Instagram and Facebook account, and we highlight them working, we highlight them going to school, we have a recent graduate of BSU. I want them all to dream big, I hope anybody with a disability will dream big," Johnson said.
If you want to be a part of the Ida-Homies as a dancer or a volunteer, there is room. People can also book the Homies to dance at events. People can find them on Instagram and on Facebook.
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