Chester Valley Dance Academy produces an annual Senior Showcase that allows the graduating class 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 2025 and all of their accomplishments. The dances were beautiful, and the messages shared through Senior Speeches were so heartfelt. We are proud to share with our studio community the speech our faculty member, Miss Angie, gave at the show to the Senior Class, reminiscing on their time at the studio, and leaving them with lessons and parting words for the future.
To the Class of 2025,
During the circle at the last recital, Miss Kim asked you to take a look around and note how strong the school and company have become due to you.
This group has been exceptional in their leadership skills and ability to inspire. Your impact on the success of the people around you makes me wonder if we should rewrite the proverb “A chain is as strong as its weakest link” to “all of you aspired to be the strongest link,” or perhaps because of you “this CVDA chain is titanium”.
Because I teach mostly the youngest and middle levels, I tend to look at you from the perspective of our younger students. From this field of view, I always hang my hopes on finding the “right” role model or the “right” dancer to admire. With your group at the helm, I had no worries.
The thing about being a role model is that it is not a leadership role you choose. It is bestowed upon you by the admirer. So, like it or not, this responsibility is imparted on you by a younger generation of dancers.
My Late mom impressed on me that true intentions can be discerned by the behavior of someone when they do not have an audience. When not performing, what is your character behind the scenes? Perhaps that is what matters the most. You have dazzled us with your hard-earned technique and your grace and deep grit. However, the most inspiring things have happened off stage and behind the scenes.
- Sarah & Elizabeth: Your work as tech crew behind the scenes was incredible! I sometimes wish we could turn the theatre around and have the audience view the energy invested behind the curtains. That is a wonderful scene in itself.
- Makenna: You may not remember this, but it made an impact. As I was dismissing one of my preschool classes, you complimented one of my particularly shy students on her winter coat. She left the studio with a timid smile. You instilled confidence, and that means so much!
- Rebecca, Lexi, Maya & Amelia: on a sunny day in Florida, I saw you swim across a pool, making an effort to visit every group of younger students who were also on our trip. You checked in to make sure they were having fun. You didn’t need to do this, but you did. You boosted morale and made a wonderful impression. You have always persisted in sharing your CVDA team spirit daily
- Brendan: On that same day, one of our younger dancers was struggling with her emotions. You pulled a chair next to her and shared your empathy. That was so incredible to watch and it will not be forgotten!
- Grace, Nishka, Emma, Camilla, Sasha & Raina: Your work ethic is beyond inspiring. You could often be found reviewing choreography during downtime and on the sidelines. You infused grit & determination in this studio family.
- Maisie, Kathleen, Colum, Alyssa, Justine, and Cassidy: You are proof that a smile can change the course of someone’s day. Seeing you share the sunshine while walking down the studio hallways or during class ensured positive warmth and motivation that inspired me as well as our youngest students.
There will be times when you feel very small. Remind yourself of the power and impact you have already had as leaders and mentors. Even the smallest raindrop creates a ripple; in turn, the ripple becomes a wave. As you set out on this new adventure, do not underestimate your power to influence and inspire. We love you and continue to be inspired by you!
With Love,
Miss Angie