Dearest Miss Jana,

It was always a dream of mine to be a dancer, a real dancer!  My parents say I came out of the womb dancing.  Thank you for helping my dream become a reality, for getting me on my feet, and for lovingly ushering me out into the world of dance!

I will never forget the first time I came to your studio to dance.  My Mom and I had been sampling various local dance schools at the time.  I had felt intimidated and out of my element taking class in the other studios, and then... I came fluttering into Dancers' Edge!  It was a home for me right away.  You welcomed me with your warm spirit and open arms.  I remember dancing at the ballet barre.  I didn't know anyone, but I felt so comfortable, so embraced, so surrounded by love and grace, bright colors, beautiful music, and your cheery voice.  I remember saying to my Mom, "Mom, I like it here.  It just feels like me.  I like Miss Jana.  She's so nice."  I know now that my little heart was intuiting that this was a place I could grow to be myself as a dancer, a place where I could learn to express myself without fear.  It was a safe and sacred space in which I could grow not only in technique, but also in genuine expression of my deep heart.  

I took this openness and graciousness, this sincere joy for movement, and your faith-filled encouragement with me as I ventured into the next chapter of my life, Miss Jana.  Your believing spirit and of course the technique that you passed onto me were strength for me during the challenges of my college years, studying dance.  After graduating, I was so excited to move to the Big Apple to dance with several modern dance companies.  Facing the intensity of the competition, comparison, judgment, and the grind of living as an artist in the big city, you were again a source of determination and inspiration for me.  Even in the midst of thousands of dancers, I knew my roots!  And they enabled me to soar and fly!  I learned so much in New York, and so enjoyed my experiences dancing with modern, hip-hop/rock, ballet, and Isadora Duncan companies!  But after 2 and 1/2 years, I knew it was time to come HOME!  When I emailed you from my shoebox of an apartment in Brooklyn, asking if you had any teaching positions available in Lancaster, you responded as warmly as always: "Come flying home!  We can't wait to have you back!  You know you always have a home here at Dancers' Edge!"  What a treasure to receive these words in the midst of NYC, where I was a stranger to most.  Now, several years later, I thank you for allowing me to be by your side as a dance teacher at Dancers' Edge!  What an honor and blessing to me!  

Now returning to my dance training ground as an adult and a dance teacher alongside of you, I see clearly that my little girl intuition was spot-on!  The gift that you give, Miss Jana, is rare and invaluable - you pour all of your energy, talents, and heart into creating a safe haven in which young ones can be at home with themselves and can freely, and with loving guidance, explore their creativity and imagination.  You never set any limits on the beautiful inner and physical world of the child; instead you gently encourage and draw forth all of the possibilties that stream from a young one's dream-filled heart and expressive movement.  Thank you for seeing this in me and in each one of your dancers, Miss Jana!  

Leaping for joy and loving you much,
Marian