Dear Dancers,

I used to be like you. I looked up to all of the dancers before me and I wanted to be just like them. They were perfect in every single way, even if I was the only one who saw them like that. I watched them become better dancers, win different titles, and do even cooler things with their lives… then came the day that they graduated. Four years in a row, I cried my eyes out at the end of every recital, and my heart broke over and over again. I never thought I would be like them or that people would cry over me.

Then came the days when I was in their position. I was the high school student you all looked at while I was performing. I was the girl asked to do this dance and that turn and at some point, I became the girl who everyone looked up to. It’s a weird feeling when you don’t notice the transition you have made, but it’s the amazing feeling that comes with knowing all eyes were on you that makes up for the weird one.

Some days were harder than others as I tried to keep myself together for you guys. Some days I did not want to dance or come teach, but knowing that I would be making an impact on your lives made every day worth it. You made me want to come to dance more than the dancing itself. You all were thankful for a role model inside the dance studio, and I was thankful to be that girl for you.

It has been a few years since then, I have been off at college doing my own thing, but most importantly I want you to know that I haven’t quit dancing. I could have, but I didn’t. It's because of you that I stay involved in the dance community. Every class, practice, or convention I can attend, I do it with you on my mind.

I'm proud of each and every one of you because you have worked so hard to get to where you are and continue to put in the effort every day. The countless hours we spent together mean more to me than I could ever try to express. I never thought someone would cry over me when I graduated, but you all definitely proved me wrong. I can't be at every competition to cheer you on or sleep over to laugh all night, but you are always in my heart.

The day has come that many of you, who were such delicate small dancers when I met you, are standing in the position will all eyes on you. Some of the most amazing dancers have stood in your exact spot, looked in that same mirror and had the same doubts as you. Today, you are standing there because you deserve it. All the work you’ve done has gotten you there. Stand tall, chin up, and smile because my eyes are on you.

With all of my love.