10/10/11
Hello Southern Dance,
I wanted to share what Diana’s Therapist Evaluator conveyed about Diana’s progress.
As you know, Diana was born with a condition called Hypotonia. Diana’s original prognosis was that she will need the assistance of a walker and sports or any physical activity would not be feasible in her life. But Diana was determined and has exceeded this beyond everyone’s expectations. Today Diana dances at Southern Dance four (4) days a week and is able to dance with her peers. Diana’s doctors and therapist contribute this amazing success to her persistence and what dance has provided for Diana. By all rights, Diana should not be able to stand up right, but be hunched over. Diana not only stands up straight on her own but has complete poise. Diana does not use a walker and had her leg braces completely removed almost two (2) years ago. Diana today is nine (9) years old and is main streamed at school and rides a regular bus now. Dance has been a huge factor in all of this. The components of dance has conditioned Diana physically and mentally to discipline her body to meet its optimum. Dance has also given Diana the confidence to believe in her own ability and not measure herself by others. Diana had the honor of being a soldier in Miami City Ballet’s Nutcracker last year, an experience she will forever remember. Diana’s goal is to one day dance in company at Southern Dance, but for now is excited to be a dance assistant to Ms. Wesa. Where Diana will go from here, we don’t know, but we expect more amazing feats from Diana and you should too…;)
Thank you Southern Dance for allowing Diana to be a part of your dance family, when other studios had turned her away…;) You will always have a special place in her heart and in ours!!!
To dreams and wishes,
Rose
9/9/11
Dear Ms. Penni,
On a personal note, I must tell you how pleased we have been with Southern Dance (this August marks the start of our 2nd year at Southern Dance). Both of my girls love dancing and I cannot find enough words of praise for Miss Julie and how much Emma was inspired by her last year.
Also, my younger daughter (Ella, age 4) has grown tremendously as a little dancer and I credit Miss Wesa with bringing Ella out of her shell. Miss Wesa played a significant role in Ella’s progress because she made tap dance so much fun! I just had to mention how grateful we are to Miss Julie and Miss Wesa.
Most sincerely,
Ali
8/16/11
Dear Penni,
I’ve been procrastinating long enough and finally decided to sit down and drop you a note to tell you formally that my tap class days are over, and to say “thank you” for teaching me to tap dance. I loved every minute of my classes with you, had such fun, and learned so much.
It seems like yesterday when I first started but it was a long time ago. Just realizing that I am 76 and not a “mere” 66 is enough to give me the shivers. Where did all the time go? At the start of classes almost every year, a young girl would ask me if I remembered her sister who was in my class last year or two before. The sister was now either in college or married with children. I got a kick out of those kids who mentioned me in their homes. Me, in their dance class, the grandma who taps.
Please think of me if you ever develop an all adult class, or if something else comes up which may interest me. Who knows, I may be back!
In the meantime, continued good luck to you and all your students. I know all the kids are getting professional training and you should be very proud of yourself for helping develop wonderful dancers.
Many thanks!
With love,
Lois