Chester Valley Dance Academy is proud to offer students with not only quality dance training at the studio, but also the opportunity to travel and participate in conventions, competitions, and master classes. The studio produces an annual Senior Showcase that gives the graduating class an opportunity to showcase their talent and have the spotlight to celebrate their years with CVDA. At this year's Senior Showcase, we celebrated the Class of 2020 and all of their accomplishments. The dances were beautiful and the messages shared through Senior Speeches were so heartfelt. This year, the audience was limited and those who would normally have attended the showcase missed out due to Covid-19 limitations.  We are proud to share with our studio community the Speeches our Seniors gave at the show, reminiscing on their time at the studio, and inspiring the underclassmen to savor every minute of their time at Chester Valley.

Senior Speech - Sophia Alfinito

"When I was very young, I used to count down the days until recital only because I was ready for dance to end and summer to begin. After joining CVDA, I began counting down the days because I was so excited to perform, alongside my best friends, all of the wonderful dances that the teachers have choreographed. The past eight years here at CVDA have taught me so much and have helped me grow as a dancer. I started out in musical theater then made my way to Teen Jazz without ever thinking I would take a ballet class. From not knowing first position from second to figuring out fouettes, I’ve come a long way. I never thought I’d be the dancer that I am today and it's all thanks to Chester Valley.

CVDA is truly unique as we are not only taught amazing technique by the teachers, but they also show us so much kindness and commitment to helping us grow. They have helped me find my passion for dance, and taught me so many life lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. Thanks to a combination of new pointe shoes and a slippery floor, I’ve learned to pick myself up after I’ve fallen, literally, time and time again. But, thanks to my teachers, I’ve learned that it's ok to fall down and mess up, but it's how you carry on and grow from it that's most important. They have inspired me to be a better version of myself, to be confident, and dance from my heart, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

And of course, I need to thank all of the dancers here at CVDA. From our long Saturday Nutcracker rehearsals to dance festivals and competitions, I think it’s fair to say that CVDA is our second home and everyone there is our second family. It’s absolutely crazy to think I won’t get to see you all every day as going to dance class after a long, long day at school was truly the best part of my day. I will cherish the memories we have made for the rest of my life and will always remember the love and support that each and every one of you showed me during my time here at CVDA.

Although this year didn’t end as we hoped, it is so special to us that we are able to stand here in front of you all today to thank CVDA for all they have done to enrich our lives. We know that the rising seniors here, that have done such a great job presenting, are going to step up and be great leaders for the upcoming year. If this year has taught us anything, it is to live in the moment and appreciate the time you spend with others. So to the rising seniors, make sure that you soak it all in and dance everyday to your heart’s content. We love you all and will miss you so much, and so as we move on to the next chapter of our lives, always remember that you will forever be our second family."

~ Sophia Alfinito
CVDA Class of 2020
University of Pittsburgh, Biology & Neuroscience