Bet Ya Didn't Know...Some Dancers are Inventors Too!

North Atlanta Dance Academy is proud to congratulate one of its own on a big win at a recent invention competition hosted by Georgia Tech. 

Darby Graham, a seven year old student at NADA recently won the "People's Choice Award" at the Georgia Tech InVentures state-wide event.  Darby has been dancing at NADA for seven years but her mother says she's always loved invention. She blended her passions for dance and ingenuity to develop the award winning, Travel On Foot Roller.

"She got the idea for the roller from leaving dance with sore and aching feet and hearing her classmates complain about their feet. Her gifted class at school had an invention project this year and so her wheels started turning," explains Darby's mother Kacie.

The Travel On Foot Roller can be attached to a cabinet so you can roll your aching feet while brushing your teeth or getting ready for school or dance. It is also portable so you can take it along with you to the studio or when you travel. 

A lot of work went into transforming an idea into a product you might soon be able to purchase. Darby drew out a sketch of what she wanted the roller to look like and how it should work. Then she and her grandfather went to a hardware store and together purchased the items she needed. With guidance from her grandfather, Darby went about making her dream a tangible reality.

Kacie says Darby worked with her "Papa" to make her prototype. "Darby did it all by herself. With his instruction and construction background it made for a great team."

Darby knows dancers will love the product and it's also great for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Darby is seeking a patent and hoping to one day sell her Travel On Foot Roller in stores. And this fourth grader isn't stopping there...her mom says Darby has more inventions in the works!

Darby with her Prototype and Proud Parents

Way to go, Darby!