Gratitude

Peaky Blinders vs The Great Gatbsy is underway and in full "swing".

Everyone has really come together to make sure this show tops last years amazing "Greatest Showman" Performance.

Parents have been extremely helpful in donating raffle prizes and not only that, clubbing together to provide the Academy with a brand new speaker system with microphone and lights. Words cannot describe the overwhelming feeling that came upon me as I was told this information.

Running a Dance School is not only one of the most stressful ideas I have ever had but also the most rewarding. We all have times in our lives where we wonder if we can continue to maximise our efforts into a dream. However, I could not have made this dream possible without the loving support of the parents and children that I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years.

It is safe to say, that our school is unique. We all have interlocking relationships, whether known from school or parents meeting other parents they went to school with all those years ago. Building foundations and relationships again with each other and supporting not only their children, but others around them.

Every week, we have children coming to dance with other dancers and parents, or arranging BBQ's or trips out, outside of the dance school. Better yet, they invite me along too. It is not through me that this Dance Academy has blossomed. It's through the caring nature of every single parent I have met.

Irrespective of their home life, background or upbringing, blended families or single parent families, whatever the issue that we face at the time, we do it together. We all comfort one another and understand that we are all family. Meaning, we will continue to do our best to comfort those who need comfort, listen to those who need to talk, and genuinely give a helping hand or go out of our way to provide security and comfort.

Watching this unfold over the last 4 years has not only bought us together with strength but bonded us with love for one another. It is truly remarkable and a pleasure to be a part of.

People often ask why I do my job.... There are two reasons... We all have a shared passion and desire to Dance, but also a shared passion to provide support and well being to our children.

Passing on these vital life lessons, encourages children that no matter the hurdle we face, we smash through it at force and grow stronger because of them. We never look back and continue to strive to reach our goals.

That is the reason why I continue.

I have never met such resilient parents and children in my life! Not only are they an inspiration to others, but to themselves.

In saying all of this, I am so excited for Our Showcase. We are only 13 days away and I think we are fighting now to the finish line. We can see the light and are working and drilling our routines harder than before.

We all need something to look forward to in our lives, and as small as these shows may be in comparison to other life events, it's our chance to be all together, work together and build a future for our children.

These last couple of months have been extremely difficult for me. Injuring my knee and awaiting knee surgery, limited movement and choreography. But the support around me has been so comforting that I know all will be okay no matter the outcome.

Words cannot describe how thankful I am to you.

"Grab your dreams with two hands, and never let go", Sidney Walters, 1996. Although I was 4 years old when he died, he gave me this quote before he died. One that will remain with me forever. I may have been too young to remember a lot about him as a person, but my first Guardian has been looking out for me.

Now I have the 3 Angels behind me, forever pushing me and encouraging me never to give up on myself or those children I teach.

Never Give Up!