"I wanted to make sure to update you on my son - we practiced for a few minutes most days with the videos his teacher made, and he was still not really looking forward to the recital. Not really nervous, he just didn't want to do it. On the day of the show, he was remarkably calm, he was excited to bring his new book to read backstage and I was way more nervous for him than he was! After the show I asked him how it felt to be in a show and if this was his last dance class for a bit. He said he loved it, it wasn't very hard (um, thank you to your teacher and you're welcome for helping you practice! ), and he got to chat with his friends backstage, and would be interested in doing it all again next year. I couldn't quite believe it. So many things had to happen to nurture that mindset shift in him, and I'm so grateful for all the work you all put into making dance accessible and fun. Also, my family and I enjoyed the entire show, it was so adorable and I can tell a lot of effort and planning went into making it run smoothly. The kids clearly have a great connection with their teachers, too. So cool to see. We'll see you again soon! Thanks again for everything."

"Hello - we had a great time seeing the performance on Sunday! We also want to express how much we value that the event is parent-friendly. Having danced growing up I know these things don't always happen:

•Consolidating the performance and dress rehearsal into a single day

•Having only one performance, along with having a venue that seemed to hold everyone

•Including the performance and video in a single cost

•Starting on time

•Moving things along quickly, including using only a portion of the songs at times

•Allowing the kids to have the same tights/shoes/hair style for both performances, even when switching between ballet and hip hop

Thank you for finding that balance between a serious, polished performance and one that appreciates their young age and the parents who are holding things together!"