06/20/2024
The final curtain has closed.
Every emotion on the spectrum was on display. Amy said it best from the stage on Sunday: “My heart is full and breaking at the same time,” as the audience stood and applauded her one final time.
As Amy and I closed our business of 36 years this weekend with our final recital, we had the absolute joy of seeing so many people from our past show up and support all of the work we had put in over that time.
We had students and parents come from all over the country. From Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, Virginia, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and many other places in between. Students from their 1st year to 3 years ago, 10 years ago and 20 years ago, all the way to 36 years. Not only to see the performances, but also to be a part of them. We had crew members come back and ask for a dramatic reading of the Nutcracker book and whether they could have Wiggles, or at least a picture. We had family members in every aspect of the show from performing to lighting and sound design to ushering and concessions to photos and videoing.
After the performance, we had a not-so-small reception at the studio. Everyone came together and told stories of the past. What the studio meant to them, the friendships they had made and continue to hold dear to this day. We had 4 Mother Gingers, 4 Princes, 3 Sugar Plum Fairies, countless Flowers and Snowflakes, and too many other Nutcracker roles to mention. We had dancers from almost every decade that we were in business, all trying to catch up with each other and find out about each other’s lives. We had former teachers join us to wish us luck in the future and to reconnect with their former students.
In the end, what did we take from this? We were never just a dance studio. We were never just teaching the children steps. We were there to help teach life lessons along the way. Lessons in personal strength from the inside, not just the physical. Lessons in how to interact with each other with respect and civility. How being part of a team was bigger than self. How time management was going to be a huge part of their lives. To be proud of who they are on the inside and how no one can touch that. To be open and honest. To be thankful for all that their parents do and to help open their eyes to the sacrifices their parents made for them. Plus many more. This was a safe space where you could be anything, find out who you would become, and be supported wholeheartedly.
The studio has been a collective family home in the community for 36 years and we will carry the memories that we gathered forever.
We thank each and every family, person, and group that helped us along the way.
We will be watching from the wings!
Love, The Amy Tyler School of Dance
