I started dancing at The Ballet Studio when I was 3 years old. That was when I was incredibly shy. By the time the recital came around I knew the steps and loved performing and being on the stage. My very first dance was Rockin Robin with the Saturday morning class taught by Tara with Victoria and Kyleigh as helpers. I went from taking one class a week to taking every class I could. Fast forward fourteen years and I am 17 and a High School Senior. I started competition when I was a sophomore but have always wanted to join. It has helped me become who I am today and introduced me to something I want to do for the rest of my life. I am very excited about going to college and starting new things. I will remember to take all the great opportunities that come my way because that is something I learned from Miss Lisa and the staff and get to experience every day. I really cannot believe how far I have come and how much I have changed. This really is my second home and when I am not here I do not know what to do except practice, stretch, dance, and exercise, and that is basically all I do. I cannot believe I leave and this is my last year at the studio. I really want to thank everyone who has supported me and stayed by my side through everything. Please keep in touch because I need every single one of you more than you could ever imagine. I will always come back to visit no matter what and of course I will keep dancing! Remember to dance with your heart and your feet will follow. And honestly, I have never ever been good with goodbyes.

I started dancing when I was just 3 years old. My first dance class was on Saturday mornings with Mrs. Tara. As far back as I can remember, and from what I was told, I was always the outgoing kid. I have picture proof of me ready for my first recital in the infamous red, frilly Rockin Robin costume, with possibly the sassiest pose that a 3 year old could ever make. I know for a fact that dance was a huge influence which helped enhance this trait of mine, and if possible, made me become even more outgoing. Over what seems like the incredibly fast 14 years that I have spent at the Ballet Studio, I have gained so much knowledge- not just on dance, but also on life. Dance taught me to point my toes and to smile to the audience, both two VERY important things! But I think the most important thing I will take from my time here at TBS, is to never waste a waking moment on something you aren't happy doing. Dance has become a part of me. Doing something that I love to do, and for so long, has shown me to not take anything for granted. Not only have I learned this through my own realization, but also from the amazing staff who works at the Ballet Studio. Being involved with recreational classes all of my life and going into my 8th year of competition as a senior in high school, I can confidently say I would not have spent my time any other way. I have met many wonderful people, including the dancers and teachers, who have all become my very good friends. The Ballet Studio has left a permanent mark on me and I cannot picture my life without it or without dancing. It is crazy to me that I am already a senior, and honestly, time really does fly. After I graduate from Northern Burlington County Regional High School, I plan to attend a 4 year University. Although I am not completely sure of what I will be doing, I know it will be something that will make me happy. Thank you to everyone here at TBS, you really are family. I know my last year here will be unforgettable.

One of my earliest memories is of the the first time I visited The Ballet Studio. My mom and I stopped at the studio to sign me up for my first class when I was two years old. While my mom completed the paperwork, I watched an older girls’ dance class happening at the same time. The girls danced so beautifully and looked so happy. I can distinctly remember wanting to be like them. This might have been a reason I started dancing but that is not why I continued. Now, I can't imagine my life without dance. The 2014-2015 dance year will be my sixteenth year dancing at The Ballet Studio and will be my seventh year on the competition team. Dance has taught me so much over the years. Besides learning to dance technically, I have learned confidence, persistence, dedication and creativity as an individual. Working as a team, I have learned cooperation, spirit and motivation. All of these lessons have shaped me into the person I am today. These qualities with follow me to college next year and from there to my life after. I cannot express how thankful I am to all the teachers at The Ballet Studio for always being there for me and teaching me so much over the years. I am also so grateful for all the friends I have made over the years; I miss all of the seniors who have graduated in the past few years and I will miss everyone I will leave in a year. I am excited to make my last year the best it can be!