To think that my time dancing at CPAC is coming to a close is unimaginable. I’ll never forget watching my first CPAC showcase when I was six years old. I was astonished by how the dancers were performing without a teacher in the front. I immediately told my mom that I wanted to do that, so I auditioned and joined the team that following year. Ever since that moment, I have spent almost every day at the studio, and I would not have it any other way! CPAC has been my second home since I was three years old, and I can’t believe how much this place has had an impact on me. The energy this team has is electric, which is something that I don’t know I will ever feel again, but I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten to experience it. CPAC has fostered friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. With each year that I’ve been on this team, I have learned so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Kristen, I have grown so much over the years because of your class. You have taught me to take corrections, pick up details, and let go and enjoy myself while dancing. I am so appreciative for your guidance throughout my time on this team.  Jordan, thank you for challenging me with your choreography each year. Your dances are so versatile, which allows me to explore different styles and storytelling. You have taught me to be more confident in myself and to explore different artistic choices. I am so lucky to have had you as a teacher and a choreographer; you have an incredible gift. Tessa, thank you for always being there for me. You have pushed me to be the best dancer I can be, and never expect anything less. You have taught me to take risks and persevere whenever things get challenging. Thank you for always calming me down before my solo, and reminding me that one performance does not dignify me as a dancer. I am so thankful for your confidence in me, and it has been so wonderful to work with you these past nine years. Jen, where do I even start? Your love for this art and team is unmatched. Thank you for all the time and dedication you have put into this program. You have impacted so many lives, including mine, and it is such a privilege to be a part of this unique team. I am endlessly grateful for you, and I love you so much. Costume Shop: Thank you for creating the most amazing costumes; they complete our dances. Thank you to Christy, Zack, Michelle, and Katie, you have all guided me so much during my dance journey here. A big thank you to Ms. Nancy Laurie for your support and generosity. The numerous opportunities you have given me and this team are truly special. This studio will forever be my second home, and none of it would be possible without you. To my teammates, thank you for continuing to inspire me every day. I don’t know what I would do without you guys by my side. I am forever grateful that CPAC has brought me my best friends who push me to be the best dancer and person I can be. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for being so supportive of me and my passion. Thank you mom for always staying on top of my schedules, and researching everything dance related for me. Thank you for the time you have invested in dance and just helping me figure out my life. I love you guys so much, and I am so thankful for your never ending love and guidance. You constantly make sacrifices for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you guys. Chaka out!!

I am so grateful that I’ve gotten to spend almost my whole life dancing in this magical place I get to call my second home. It’s so surreal that I’ve been here for 13 years and this is my last year. I was on the Mini Troop team and I remember dancing in my living room at a young age making up dances and repeatedly watching the recital and showcase DVD’s. The next year I tried out for the competition team, never expecting the amount of impact CPAC would have on my life. Everyday walking into the studio, I am more and more inspired every day by my amazing teammates. To my teammates, thank you guys for always constantly inspiring me and the amount of love and support has been nothing but amazing. The bonds we have created are like no other. I never thought this moment would be over but here we are, and I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. Kristen, taking your ballet class is something I will forever be grateful for. Taking class from someone with as much experience as you is so rewarding. I’m thankful for the foundation you have given me and I will forever be missing your ballet classes. Tessa, I’ve loved working with you and trusting your mentorship on me through the past years, I will forever be grateful for that. Dancing your choreography is so rewarding. You are always challenging me to be the best I can be and I will always be thankful for that. Thank you for all that you do for not only me, but the entire team. Jordan, performing your choreography will be something I will forever cherish and I never want to stop doing. I would’ve never stepped out of my comfort zone without your unique style and I would’ve never gained as much confidence if it weren’t for you. Jen Lee, I don’t even know how to put this into words. CPAC would not be the same without you. From spending countless hours cleaning our dances, to giving us rides, and making sure we are safe and having fun! You will forever hold a special place in my heart. You are honestly like a second mom to all of us. You have seen me through all stages of my life. You have helped raise me into the person I am today and I couldn’t thank you enough. Thank you Jen for continuing to push me through all of the ups and downs and supporting me throughout my entire time at CPAC. Your love for this team is beyond words and you have not only impacted my life, but so many others. I love you so much. Thank you to Christy, Michelle, Zach, and Katie. You guys have helped me grow into the dancer I am today and guided me so much!! Costume shop, Thank you for the insane costumes!! You guys always bring the dances to life and it was so amazing to see all of the hard work and dedication you guys had put into these beautiful costumes. A big thank you to Nancy Laurie for providing such a special place I get to call my second home. I am so grateful to spend many hours pushing myself with my teammates in this wonderful space. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be where I am today, none of this would be possible without you. Lastly, I’d love to thank my family for the generous amount of support. I will forever be grateful for the countless hours and dedication you guys have provided for me for my time at CPAC. The constant sacrifices and commitment for me being on this team and willingly giving your time and effort will forever hold a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t be here without you.

CHAKA out!!!

CPAC is the most special place. It has given me memories that will last a lifetime, lessons I will carry forever, and my best friends who mean the world to me. I can’t think of a time in my life when CPAC wasn’t a part of who I am. To think that at this time next year I won’t be spending every night here feels unreal and bittersweet. I am beyond grateful to call this incredible place my home and the people in it my family. I remember being three years old, walking into Ms. Candace’s class, so excited to step on stage in my pretty costume, show everyone my moves and do it with the biggest smile on my face. All these years later, as a senior, that same excitement and joy still fill my heart every time I perform; a feeling I know I will carry with me forever.  Kristen, you have impacted my dancing in more ways than you will ever know. Not only have you helped strengthen my technique, but you’ve also allowed me to grow and mature as a dancer, reminding me that it doesn’t always have to be so serious. Your patience and belief in me has shaped the dancer I am today, and I will always be grateful for everything you have taught me. Jordan, you are so talented. Your vision is unlike any other. Thank you for challenging me with new styles and difficult dances that I’m not comfortable with. You encourage me to go beyond my limits, and because of you, I’ve grown not just as a dancer, but as a person. I’m so grateful for the inspiration and guidance you give every day. Tessa, thank you for being with me through it all. From choreographing my dances on Troupe to helping me get back to dancing after surgery, you have always been there supporting and believing in me. I always feel like I can come to you with any problem and you’d know exactly what to do. You are an incredible role model, and I am so grateful for the faith you have in me and for pushing me to reach my fullest potential. Jen Lee, I can’t put into words how much you’ve done for me. My life would not be the same without you. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. Thank you for being the comfort, the joy, and the constant light that everyone needs. Your guidance, kindness, and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today, and I will carry everything you’ve taught me with me forever. CPAC simply wouldn’t be what it is without you. Costume Shop, your vision, talent, and creativity is out of this world, thank you all for making our dances come to life. Christy, Zack, and Katie thank you for continuing my love for dancing, always pushing me and keeping my passion strong. Nancy, I’m so grateful to have grown up in such a beautiful studio. The opportunities you’ve given us are endless, and thank you for letting us live out our passion every day. To my teammates, it truly is the people who make the place. Thank you for inspiring me and pushing me to be better every single day. Thank you for the laughs, the long weekend rehearsals, the late nights running around hotels, and every moment in between. You made even the hardest days joyful and fun. One of the most special things about CPAC is that we weren’t just teammates who danced together and only saw each other at the studio. These are the people I chose to spend my time with, my best friends. That is something truly rare, and something I will always be grateful for. I love you guys endlessly.  Lastly, Mom and Dad, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being my biggest fans and for standing by me through every high and low. Thank you for the countless hours spent driving and the flights taken across the country, all so I could do what I love and live my dream. Your sacrifices, love, and constant support mean more to me than I could ever put into words. You are truly the best parents I could ever ask for, and I love you both so much. CHAKA OUT!

It’s hard to believe I’m sitting here typing my last showcase bio. CPAC has been my second home since I was three years old and I will be eternally grateful for my time spent here. It seems like yesterday when I was in awe watching the older dancers performing on stage, hoping I’d be able to dance like them someday. Here I am a few months away from performing on the CPAC stage for the last time. It’s hard to put into words how this place has made me feel and the lasting impact it has had on me. Not only has it allowed me to deepen my passion and love for dance, but my time here has also helped me grow as a person and shape me into who I am today. I’ve learned so much throughout my years dancing here. From self discipline and dedicated work ethic to confidence, motivation and resilience, CPAC has provided me with a strong foundation that reflects this program’s reputation for excellence. Our studio is nothing short of amazing and it means so much more to me than just a place to train. We have grown so much together not just as dancers but as a family and I’m really going to miss dancing next to everyone here. Kristen, you have taught me much more than ballet technique. My self-awareness and resilience comes from learning from your experienced self. You make ballet class fun and enjoyable. I love our close relationship and your many compliments, but I also love your corrections and guidance on how to improve my technique. I’m going to really miss our talks about life and seeing you front row at competitions. Jordan, you have taught me how to use my power and personality to tell a story. Your weekly jazz classes are so dynamic and empowering and I always feel challenged. Thank you for my memorable solos over the years and knowing how to cater them to my style and strengths. I’m going to miss performing your unique, unforgettable choreography and the way you have the most chill vibe to calm us all down. Tessa, I have been lucky enough to have been taught by you a little extra with my pom team. From my very first solo by you to the numerous group dances, you create the most heartfelt and inspirational choreography I’m honored to have been a part of. You are an exceptional role model to us all, teaching us how to stay motivated and organized with the way you balance home life and work. Thank you for always being there and helping me outside of what is expected. Candace, Katie, Zack, Christy and Michelle, thank you for your role in my dance journey. I have some of the best memories with you and your time, creativity and teaching has never gone unnoticed. I appreciate you all. Thank you to the Costume Shop for designing the most creative and expressive costumes to help bring our dance stories to life. Your one-of-a-kind vision and endless hours you put in is greatly appreciated. To all the CPAC staff I don’t get to see as much, thank you for all you do to support our team. Ms. Nancy, thank you so very much for providing us a nurturing space we call our second home. This beautiful studio has been our comfort zone, a place we come together to dance, laugh, cry and seriously have the best time. None of this would be possible without your support and generosity. To our rock Jen, I know you hear this a lot but you truly are a second mom to us all and the backbone to our team. Your passion and love for the art of dance is what we aim to have. You have a heart of gold and you’re deeply committed and devoted to us. You want nothing more than to see each and every one of us succeed in life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your never-ending guidance and support. I’ll miss your weekly hugs and your loudest yells cheering us on from backstage. To my senior sisters, thank you for the best years of my life. I’m going to miss sharing the stage with you but we had a great run. There’s so much talent among you, and I just know you’re all destined for amazing things in the future. To all my other teammates, keep rocking that stage. You have so much to look forward to so keep your head up and continue to be the best. I can’t wait to watch and cheer you on. CPAC is one big family and our bond is unbreakable, even if we are scattered apart. To my family, thank you for your nonstop love and support. You have been so supportive of my dance journey and I can’t thank you enough for that. I am very fortunate to be able to dance here at CPAC. Through all the late nights and dinners, early mornings, and weekend rehearsals, you’ve asked me time and again how I do it. I do it not only because I love it but also because you’ve sacrificed your time and allowed me to do it. Mom, thank you for dedicating your heart and soul into myself, my dreams and those long but fun dance competition weekends. Dad, thank you for being the best dad I could ask for and always asking how my dance day was. I love you both so very much and I’m extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you, God, for blessing me with my family, this gift of dance, and for filling my life with so much happiness. Chaka out!!

My Cpac journey is coming to an end. My team, the people who have been with me through it all. Thinking I’m going to be parting ways from you all is not even comprehensible to me. No one gets you like your dance friends get you. They see you during your most stressful moments and your most praised. They are with you through those tough weekend rehearsals and the moments it all pays off at competition. That’s what makes Cpac different from the rest, and is why we are the way we are. The family-like bond we all have with each other is something I am so blessed to be a part of. Cpac nurtures so many beautiful humans and people who have become my best friends for life. I love you guys so endlessly and you all have such a passion for dance that inspires me everyday, never let anyone dim your light! I love you!!! To the ones that make it all happen, my teachers. Jordan, all the way back to the days when little kenzie was just trying to keep up with the steps, you have been there. Getting to be in such unforgettable dances you create and bring your vision to life is such a blessing. You really are such a gift to Cpac and all of its students and I don’t think you hear it enough. Tessa, the respect and praise I have for you is immense. Being able to see you go through such big stages in your life and still be committed to us students does not go unseen. You have been such a role model for me and how I want my life to look like in the future, and I cannot thank you enough. Kristen, I don’t know if you know how much of an impact you have had on us as a team but me especially. The discipline and maturity that I have taken away from your class is something I am so glad I learned. Your balance of being our teacher in class but also having that calming presence at competitions, is truly something we’ve all come to appreciate more than words can express. Jen, having to say goodbye to you as my teacher will probably be one of the hardest things I do. You have been my rock, my safe person, and my biggest supporter through my time dancing here. I know my time here is coming to an end but the love and support I’ve felt throughout this journey with you will stay with me forever. Michelle, Zack, Christy, and Katie, thank you all for the work you have put into shaping and teaching me throughout the years. It truly has left a mark. To the costume shop, Cpac would not be the same without you all. Your ability to bring our dances to life and see the vision is something so special. I am so so thankful for you all and everything you bring to our team. Nancy, I don’t know if I can describe the amount of influence and support you have given me as a dancer. The opportunities and success that has come from being a part of this team I will be forever grateful for. Thank you so much for all you do, you really have changed lives with Cpac. Lastly, I will never forget about my family. I don’t even know what to say besides you are the most strong, loving people I know, and I am so forever thankful that you all have supported me and my passion for dance. I forever hope to keep making you proud and I love you all infinitely. CHAKA OUT!

To think that my time here is ending is something I really can’t comprehend. This place has been my second home since I was 3 years old and it’s crazy to think I won’t spend every day here next year. I’ll never forget the feeling of watching all the Ensemble dances at Showcase, as a little 5 year old, and wishing that could be me. Now I’ve spent the past 11 years doing just that and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Even through the longest days this place has always felt like an escape, the people here are like no other and I wouldn’t want to spend my time anywhere else. To my fellow seniors you guys have been there through it all. From the Mini room to now our last year dancing together you have been there in the toughest moments and the happiest moments, all the laughs, cries, and long rehearsals wouldn’t be the same without you guys. You are all so unique in your own ways and I’m grateful to have grown up with you by my side. I can’t wait to see where your futures take you! To my other teammates and best friends you guys hold such a special place in my heart and I’m beyond thankful for every little memory I’ve shared with you. From the long weekend rehearsals, tanning outside on our breaks, or randomly singing and playing funny games, you have truly made my time at CPAC unforgettable. Everyone says it but time truly does fly so take it all in while you can, I love you guys! To my teachers, Tessa, the respect and gratitude I have for you and the inspiration you give me is tremendous. The opportunity to help you with Troupe these past two years is something I’m endlessly grateful for. That experience has not only deepened my love for dance but also my love for teaching young dancers. Your guidance through everything has taught me so much and your confidence in me has meant more than you know. I’m beyond grateful for getting to work with you all these years, thank you for everything. Kristen, you may not know it but you have made such a huge impact on me. I’ve always felt you believed in me no matter what and you’ve truly fostered my love for not only Ballet but just dance as an art so much. You’ve taught me how to have fun while still having discipline and maturity in not only dance but life. Thank you for always pushing me to my fullest potential, my time here would not be the same without you. Jordan, I wish I could perform your choreography forever. Working with you is truly so special and I’m so grateful for every group and solo of yours I’ve performed. You’ve taught me to take risks and that one small mistake does not define me as a dancer. Thank you for your constant guidance, support, and confidence in me, I don’t know where I would be without you. Jen, I don’t even know where to start. You are truly a second mom to all of us. You saw the potential in my little 6 year old self and have been there through every up and down since. Your true passion for this art and team is like no other. You’ve not only shaped me as a dancer but as a person and the guidance you’ve shared with me is something I will carry with me forever. You’re truly like no other and I’m beyond grateful to have a mentor and second mom like you. To Christy, Michelle, Zack, Candace, and Katie, even in the short time I spend with some of you, you guys have had a great impact on me and I’m truly so grateful for the knowledge you have shared with me. To the Costume Shop, your guys’ artistry and creativity blows me away every time. You really do bring our dances to life and CPAC would not be the same without you. Nancy, thank you for the beautiful facility and all the opportunities you provide me and this team. This studio will always be my second home, and none of this would be possible without you. Lastly to my family, I truly do not know what I would do without you guys by my side. You guys have been there through all the tears, stress, smiles, and laughs. Thank you for investing so much time into me and my passion and supporting me no matter what. You guys will never understand how much your love, guidance, and support means to me, I love you guys endlessly. CHAKA OUT!!