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!!