Dear Kristin, John, Cheryl, Sue and the rest of the Kicks family,

I have been putting off writing this note because then it really does feel like the end of our dance journey. Although the journey is ending, what you have all given to Megan and our family will stay with us for a lifetime.

I have such a strong memory of Megan’s first year when she was so quiet and shy but the minute she had those teddy bears in her arms and received the stickers on her attendance booklet, she never wanted to miss a class and loved it every minute from then on. We have video of Megan’s first year in her dance class and her eyes never left Miss Kristin. You were her first teacher ever and she loved you and continues to have a respect for you to this day.

There will be a lot of things missed with dance. We will always remember the excitement of each Fall when teacher assignments are made and they can’t wait to see what friends are in the classes. We’ll miss each June when we had the chance to watch the accomplishments of all the children and see the smiles on their faces and the proud look of the parents and teachers.

Dance has given Megan so much but the main thing has to be confidence. She can handle pressure now when she has to do something in front of the class, being on the foul line during a close game in basketball, being on the pitcher’s mound in softball, making the field hockey team without ever playing the sport before, to going to dances with friends and having the confidence to get up there and just have a fun time.

Thank you so much for being such a positive part of our lives for ten years. We will never forget you all and we’ll continue to pass on to others that Kicks is the only dance studio to attend!

Thank you and continued success in the future.

Kristin and John,

We want to thank you for developing such a wonderful dance academy. You have created more than just a building to dance in. You work endlessly to give each dancer every opportunity to improve and develop their dream as a dancer. We deeply thank you for supporting and encouraging Kirsten to pursue her passion for dance.

         Read what dancing at KICKS means to our students.
                                    A small selection of letters
                   written by our 2009, 10-year trophy recipients

I started dancing at KICKS when I was three years old. Since then, I can’t stop! With dancing I can
express myself, as they say, "Actions speak louder than words". It takes my mind off of everything else. What I love about dancing is that I get to spend time with friends and do what I love to do at the same time. I also enjoy the challenges like staying on beat, doing the right movements, but even if I mess up, I have learned to keep trying. KICKS has helped me not only become a better dancer but a better person. Dancing gives me confidence and teaches me to reach for my goals. Since I was little, one of my goals was to get my ten year trophy. KICKS gave me strength to reach my goal. Dancing gives me confidence because every year at the recital, I may be nervous, but if I smile and do my best, that’s all that matters. I can’t imagine my life without dancing!

~ Marissa B.

Throughout my life I have involved myself in many different activities, but dance was the very first thing my mom enrolled me in so it will always be special to me. I went to see my older cousin, Molly, dance in her recital and I knew it was something I wanted to try. The costumes, the stage, the music was thrilling to me at three years old and still is today. Miss Kristin was my first dance instructor and her patience and her kind words of encouragement towards us helped me develop a love for dance.

Over the years I have tried ballet, tap, and jazz and enjoyed them all. I go to classes during the school year and have also been part of KICKS' summer camps. In each class I met new girls that became my friends. I consider myself an athlete and dance has given me the opportunity to bring together my athletics and my creative side. Dance has given me a sense of confidence that nothing else has. The ability to get up on stage in front of so many people and dance is a real confidence booster!

My years at KICKS will never be forgotten. The motivation and dedication that I have learned from dance will help me in the future.

~ Maggie C.

I dance to express how I feel, I dance to release my energy, and I dance to have fun. When I started dancing at age 5, it was only a pastime; but over the years, it has become so much more than that. I found something that I truly love to do and no matter what happens in my life, I know dance is something I plan to always have in my life. High School can be a very stressful time in someone’s life between schoolwork and the social aspect of high school. Dancing is a way for me to escape life, its difficulties, and let go. When I dance, all of the problems and stress in my life suddenly do not matter anymore. Dance has not only made me a better person in so many ways, but it has also taught me incredible life lessons. Dancing at KICKS has taught me about teamwork, made me a more outgoing person, and most importantly taught me to never give up on my dreams. There is not one thing in the world that I would rather spend my life doing than dancing. I want to thank my parents because they support me no matter what and without them I could never be where I am today. Also, I want to thank Miss Kristin, Mr. John, Miss Cheryl and the KICKS teachers for being so caring and supportive of me throughout the years.

~ Ariana M.

I have been dancing for ten years, and I have loved every minute of it. Dance has given me confidence. It has taught me to be myself, and to express myself. I have learned many new things, and have faced many challenges while doing it, but I never gave up. I learned that if you try your best you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to.

I loved every class I have been in. All of my teachers have been extremely nice and helped me learn every step perfectly. Since I started dancing at age three, I have looked forward to having dance every week. At dance, I have learned many new dance steps and I will probably never stop learning them. I will never stop dancing because I love it so much. Thank you Ms. Kristin, Mr. John, Ms. Cheryl and all the teachers that I have ever had, for showing me how wonderful dance really is.

~ Amber R.

Dance has always been my favorite thing to do. I have learned so much over the years. And still want to learn more! Every week since I was four years old, I have looked forward to each class, eager to enhance my technique and learn something new. Through dance, I have made great friends, who make me laugh and have a good time.

To me, dance means expressing yourself and having fun. Whenever I dance, all of my worries disappear. I always have fun while dancing, especially when I am on stage and get an adrenaline rush. Some of the most useful things I have learned through dance are perseverance and self-confidence. Both of these things have not only helped me on the dance floor, but also with other things in life.

~ Julie T.