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 2023 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 Speeches our faculty member, Miss Rachel gave at the show to the Senior Class, reminiscing on their time at the studio, and leaving with them lessons and parting words for the future.

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I need to start by saying that I love these kids. Parents, thank you for sharing them with us. I have had the great good fortune of working with almost everyone on this stage who has taken a ballet class. Some of you I’ve had with me for each of my ten years at Chester Valley.  In more than 20 years of teaching, I have never had a group of students who truly understand the power of empathy and the importance of showing up for each other. They make space for each other. They make space for me. Each of you have given more to me than you probably know, and I am a better teacher and a better person for it.

I am at heart a ballet nerd who is happy to talk history or technique or physics for hours but, I try very hard to meet each of you where you are when we’re in the studio. Very often that means we accomplish an astonishing amount of really beautiful work that leaves me amazed at what we can do together. Other times that means I may hear some things like: “Ms Rachel, we ATE!... We don't have to do that again, right?” or,“Do you think I really need to put on my pointe shoes?” …Yes, by the way. I really do think you need to put on your pointe shoes.

More than what I hope we’ve been able to teach you about dance though, I hope we’ve taught you something about the other life skills that an art education gives you: teamwork, perseverance, resiliency, multi-tasking, time management (literally and figuratively). The most important thing dance has taught you that I want to make sure you remember is that you can do difficult things. Your body and your mind know how to work in tandem to accomplish amazing results. So when life gets difficult, as it inevitably will, remember that you have the ability to persevere. You are resilient.

I feel confident that I can speak for all of us at CVDA when I say that for us dance is a labor of love - love for the art and love for each of you. My hope is that you all remember that you don't need to pursue a career in the arts to keep dance in your life. You may not see it now but one day you will come to understand that there is comfort in the routine and structure of dance class, it provides a group of people with whom you have commonality, and its amazing physical and emotional therapy. When you need it, dance will still be there for you so my only piece of advice is don't close that door when you walk off the stage tonight. 

And speaking of being there - we will be too. Once you’re my student you are, for better or worse, always my student. I will check in on you and we’re all always routing for you. Ask any alumni - CVDA is your family. This next part of your life is full of amazing growth and opportunity and all of us are so excited to see where you can go. Take some risks, make some bold choices, and enjoy your journey. I am so very proud of each of you.

~ Miss Rachel