The Dovetail Group
The Dovetail Group is made up of a diverse set of programs ministering to people of all ages in the Richmond and surrounding community. We are a Christian organization that focuses on moving people closer to Christ.
Our primary emphasis is on teens. Three of our programs involve teen leadership initiatives with ballroom dancing as the teaching tool: That Dance Thing, Advanced That Dance Thing, and That Dance Thing Lite. All are provided in a safe, secure, and friendly environment.
We also have programs for adults. FootSteps is an adult ballroom dance program that is provided on a twice yearly basis and serves as a great "date night" for couples. Our Outreach Program is designed for folks of all ages including senior citizens in retirement communities, church congregations, and community support events. Our dance Exhibition Team is a key facet of our outreach.
The That Dance Thing program started in 1996. It's purpose is summarized in our tag line - Grooming Teens for Life.
Leadership
Executive Director, The Dovetail Group
Connie Huffine
Connie Huffine is the Executive Director of The Dovetail Group. She has over 50 years of leadership experience in both the corporate and Christian communities. Throughout her life, however, she has had a lasting love of dance. She is a choreographer with experience as a ballroom dancer/teacher and interpretive dance worship leader. She is the author of the Leadership and Life Skills Curriculum (being followers of Christ and leaders of men) which has been taught through dance and adapted for teens and adults, inner city youth, jail inmates, and the corporate community.
Accounting Manager
Kaylee Hawthorne
Kaylee has been our accounting manager for over 9 years now. She is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and currently works as a Process Assistant at Dominion Energy. She was a participant in TDT for many years. She also is a master baker and cookie and cupcake decorator as anyone who has attended our Valentine's TDT Family Dinner Dance can attest. And, she is Connie and Mike Huffine's granddaughter!
Operations Manager
Mike Huffine
Mike Huffine is a veteran of the Army and Air Force, retiring in 1993. At retirement, he was the chief of the Joint Staff branch responsible for planning US strategic operations exercises. He subsequently served as a contract staff officer and, eventually, Division Manager for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems, supporting Unified Command staffs from Colorado to Europe. Retired from Lockheed Martin in 2009, today he is enjoying and loving the important challenge of working with young adults as they grow socially and spiritually.