First, I want to say thank you. Thank you for spending countless hours working with me and helping me become the best that I could be. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I gave up on myself. Most importantly, thank you for being my teacher, my parent, my friend and someone that I could look up to day in and day out. You taught me that it is okay to fall down and sometimes, even though getting back up is the last thing you want to do, you just have to do it and go again.

I'm not sure if you know this, but you made an immense impact on my life. You gave me skills and advice that I will always have. You made me believe in myself when I didn't think I could go anywhere. You were there for me when my future didn't seem all that bright and you knew everything would be okay, even when I didn't.

You taught me that family doesn't have to be blood. Family is there for you whenever you need them, whether it's two in the morning or two in the afternoon. Family looks out for each other and loves each other regardless of what they have done or said and they support every decision you make, even if they don't agree with it. You made the studio a home none of us ever wanted to leave, but when the time did come, you smiled and promised you would always be there.

Thank you for always pushing me, knowing I could do better, even when I thought less of myself and my own ability. I don't know exactly who I would be without your influences and I appreciate everything you have done for me through the years. Dancing as a college student isn't the same without you, but I know I've used nearly everything we have done in class and the countless times you would make us go across the floor or start again brought me to where I am today. Thank you for that too. You taught me that you can only push yourself so hard and the human body isn't supposed to move in the ways we make it move so taking a break once in a while is okay. Injuries are serious and resting your body is something we all have to do.

Because of you I have a level of confidence and grace I wouldn't have otherwise. I have amazing memories I carry with me always and a voice in the back of my mind telling me to never give up, get up, and try again. You taught me that we all have our strengths and weaknesses and that doesn't make a bad dancer, it makes us unique dancers that do things in ways different than others.

Just know that I appreciate everything you have done for me whether you knew it or not and I appreciate you spending all your time making my life, and many others, better.

Sincerely,

All your dancers.