Dear Mrs. Dee and Staff,
Every year I find myself reflecting on all of my blessings in life and, every year, I think of all of you. It is not often enough that you hear how appreciated you all are for everything you do for the girls. Each and every one of you have made a difference in my daughter’s life and are now doing the same for my 4yr. old as she begins her dance career at Studio Dee, as well. Abby, almost 8 now, has blossomed into a beautiful young girl who not only loves but appreciates all forms of dance. Lily, just starting out, loves it more than I ever thought she would. The year started out a little rough, but now she asks me everyday “Mommy, is it Tuesday?” and if it is she is so excited and says, “Yay! I can’t wait to see Mrs. Dee and Mrs. Tori!” I owe their success and enjoyment that they get from dance to all of you.
This year, I encourage each of you to take a step back and see what you have accomplished. For just a moment, during class or at the recital, take a break from teaching, and watch, like a fly on the wall. Watch the ones who learn to “point” for the first time, or understand the difference between 1st and 2nd position. Take a hard look at the girls who finally do a Shim Sham or nail their Grande Jete. And pay close attention to those that maybe still don’t “get it” but have a glow in their eyes and a smile on their faces. Everyone one of these accomplishments, no matter how small, are HUGE in a parent’s eyes. Realize that YOU did this, YOU made this happen, YOU made them the dancers that they are today and will be forever. It’s not everyday that we give ourselves a pat on the back for what we have accomplished, but each of you need to do just that.
Mrs. Dee: What can I say? You are an amazing woman and role model and I am thankful that you are in my daughters’ lives everyday. It may only be one day a week, but you make a major impact on them. When Lily tells me that she can’t wait to see you and Miss Tori every day, I know you are a very special person. You are such an important part of our lives and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Miss Tori: We have only been with Studio Dee for 4 years, but I feel like I have watched you grow. From running the little ones to the potty every second when Abby first started to teaching class on your own, you have grown into a beautiful dancer. Abby looks at you in awe, wanting to dance like you. And Lily looks forward to every Tuesday, so she can see Miss Tori because “she is fun and funny!” Thank you so much!
Miss Emily: I have not gotten to know you very well, but I have to be honest. I was very worried at the start of the year. Not because I didn’t trust you, but because Abby had grown attached to Mrs. Dee and did not want a new teacher. However, when it came time to sign up and she found out she would have you, she smiled and said, “Yes! I wanted to get her!” Likewise, she was so excited when you came back from having your baby and was counting down the weeks before you came back. Thank you so much for showing her a new appreciation for dance and keeping her loving it!
Miss Julia: Like Tori, I feel like I have watched you grow over the past 4 years. You are an amazing dancer and teacher and Abby looks up to you with admiration! You are a wonderful asset to the studio and I thank you very much for making every Tuesday so exciting for Abby.
Mrs. Stephanie: You are truly amazing! From your organizational skills, to putting up with me and all my questions, to all of the phone calls you make and, all the while, remaining patient and keeping a smile on your face, I am convinced that Studio Dee would be chaos if it weren’t for you. You are the backbone at that studio, the glue that holds it all together and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that you are truly appreciated and I thank you for everything you do!
Thank you all again!
Amanda Carothers
