Hi! My name is Quinton, and this is my second year and senior year at Columbia Performing Arts Centre. I can’t believe how quickly it has gone by! My journey has been unpredictable, crazy, and a blessing from God. I started dancing in the summer of 2023, despite my fears of starting too late. Fast forward two years, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve never felt so welcomed and appreciated. I am extremely blessed and  humbled by the opportunities CPAC has given me. I want to thank God and my parents, who sacrificed their time to take me to competitions and  college auditions. I am so grateful to have you as my parents. Thank you to my sister Whitney, whose beautiful soul and passion for dance inspired me to start. You are my other half and my greatest motivation. Thank you to my grandparents and aunt for supporting me. To Brianna, Ryan, and Ainsley, thank you for being my close friends, role models, and for pushing me to do my best. Thank you to everyone I’ve danced with at CPAC; I will never forget our shared moments. A huge thank you to Mrs. Nancy Laurie for your guidance and support. I am so grateful for everything you’ve done. Thank you to Tessa, Jordan, and Kristen, for your constant push and motivation. Your contributions have been invaluable to my growth as a dancer. To Jen Lee, thank you for being like a mother to so many dancers. Your support during college auditions and beyond has been incredible. You made me feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved from day one. I will miss you dearly. As I take my next steps, I will always cherish the time I spent at CPAC. I urge anyone reading this to take that leap of faith, no matter how frightening it may be. It can lead to great things for yourself and those around you. I am so blessed and humbled to have taken that leap, and I encourage you to do the same. Love you all, CHAKA!

I started dancing when I was 3 years old. I don’t remember a life without CPAC and to know that in just a few months I won’t be a student here anymore makes me so sad. Every second I have spent here is a second that I wouldn’t trade for a million dollars. The love that everyone has for each other is unlike any other relationship. The seniors every year told the younger dancers that it’s all over in just the blink of an eye. I always thought that it would never be over, but it’s true. I honestly never imagined just how heartbreaking it would be to leave. The teachers here have helped me grow as a dancer and also as a human being. They only want the best for us and will work hard every day to support us. Jordan, I don’t want to stop performing your choreography. I never would have been able to grow as an individual dancer and develop a unique style without your mentorship and I will be forever grateful for you. Tessa, you have always been an incredible mentor to me and everyone else here. You have always put complete trust in me and I am so thankful for that. Kristen, Ballet would not be the same without you. We are so lucky to have a teacher with as much experience as you. I would not be the dancer I am today, or the person I am today, without all three of you. Also thank you to Christy, Michelle, Katie, Zack, and Anna, you have all contributed so much to my dance journey thus far. Costume Shop, I am still in awe that you are able to create such detailed and meaningful costumes that bring a dance to life. The dances would never be what they are without them. Jen, I don’t even know how to put this into words. You have been one of the most loving and supporting people in my life. I literally cannot imagine a life without you. You are the first person I want to talk to if I have good news, or even bad news. You are my rock and I love you forever and always. And of course, my time here at CPAC is thanks to Nancy Laurie. Thank you so much for creating this special space for us to grow up in. This studio has changed lives, it definitely changed mine. I also want to thank my family for supporting me throughout my time at CPAC. Thank you Mom for putting up with me and Piper arguing during every car ride to a competition. Your involvement in my life and dance journey is something that I am so grateful for and sometimes take for granted. My experience dancing would not be the same without my parents support, I love you guys so much. Piper, I am so lucky to be able to dance with you everyday. I love you so much and I am so proud to say that I am your sister. CPAC is not just a dance studio, but it is a family. The friendships I have made here will last me a lifetime and I am eternally grateful for every one of you. Addison, thank you for being the best duo partner I could have asked for. Quinton, I am so happy that we were able to share this year together. I know you will do great things and I also know that our friendship is something I will cherish forever. CPAC has been the most impactful experience in my life and even though I am graduating, it’s still my home. I genuinely never thought I would be saying this but… Chaka out.