I have known and danced with some of you my entire life and then there are some of you who I have just met and even those I have never spoken to. Whether we are on the same team or not, we all are a family and nothing will change that.
To the younger ones, watching you guys take class reminds me of when I was little. I remember learning all of the steps that you all have worked so, so hard on. I just want to remind you to keep working and pushing yourself. Before you know it, you will be in my shoes… getting ready to leave. Never lose the excitement you have when you come into class every week!
To the juniors, you guys have come so far in the last year! I have loved getting to work with you and teach you as often as I have. You guys are at the age where you could be doing literally anything other than dancing but I am so, so glad you have stuck with it. I know your dances get hard and you want to quit sometimes but please don’t! You will see the light at the end of the tunnel and fall even more in love with dancing once you get there. Trust me, it happened to me. No one ever said it was going to be easy but I am telling you it is going to be worth it!
To my team, my girls, the seniors. There are no words for how much all of you mean to me. No matter what, we always have so much fun together and we have so many memories like making up stupid dances to stupid songs and winning and losing at competitions. Even though we are on the same team I have learned so many things from you guys, inside of dance and outside of dance. While I’m gone, continue to work hard and help the younger girls. They look up to you, remember that! You guys are so amazing at what we do and I cannot wait to see you do your thing at the next competition when we see each other. Although it will be weird for me, not dancing with you. You guys mean more to me than you will ever know and I love you all so, so much.
To my dance teacher, thank you, thank you, thank you! You do so much for me and the studio. None of us would be the dancers we are today without you. You have been a constant role model in my life since I was 3 years old and you have made such a big impact on who I am as a person. I can only hope to become half the person and dancer that you are!
To the parents, thank you for everything you do. Whether it’s cheering all of us on at competitions, being the go-to woman when someone needs to be pinned, or providing snacks. You guys are the best. I urge you to keep your kids coming to class, even when they don't really want to. And when you don’t want to spend countless hours at the studio or a dance competition, come anyway. You will not regret one minute that your child spends dancing.
I have a lot to thank this studio and my team for. I’m thankful for all of the memories, the friendships, and the jokes we have. You all will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.
