As I reflect on my time here at CPAC, it’s bittersweet to see such a significant chapter of my life start to end. CPAC has been what I’ve called home for the past 12 years, and to say it’s changed my life would be an understatement. It started when I was first in Ms. Alexis’s class, learning how to point my feet and straighten my knees to competing on the dance awards nationals stage and getting to know my best friends. I never thought my first jazz class from elementary school would turn into a lifelong passion which has shaped me into the person I am today. Every rehearsal, class, convention, competition and even the early mornings and late nights at the studio will be something that I will never take for granted. CPAC has become such a blessing in my life and something I will cherish forever. I’d first like to say the biggest thank you to all my teammates. I am reminded daily of why I come to dance and nothing else can describe the bond we have with each other, it’s so special and something I will always remember. Thank you for always shining such a bright light on me and being my biggest inspirations through out my life. That being said, I can’t imagine my life without you all and I wouldn’t want it any other way! Thank you for all the memories and friendships that will hold a special place in my heart forever! Thank you to Mrs. Nancy Laurie for providing me and everyone with the most amazing facility and experiences that will forever be incredible memories for me. Thank you for making my dreams come true and the continuous love and support you have for everyone who enters the studio doors. Tessa, thank you for always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I don’t know how you do it but you’re always somehow in every place at once and I am forever grateful to have you as a mentor in my life. I still remember my first solo when I was jumping around at my grandmas house out of excitement because my moms email said “Tessa”.  Thank you for every solo rehearsal, talk in the corner, and for always being there for me, love you always. Jordan, my gratitude for you continues to grow everyday through your choreography. Thank you for all the guidance you have given me over the years and I’m going to miss every jazz class, Q&A, and most importantly not only the trust you give me, but to everyone else as we go on stage and get the honor to compete your forever amazing pieces. Kristen, I remember how much I wanted to impress you and give you my everything as little me on the first day of class with you. And oh how you get Kayla or “Von Trapp #1” would be so proud. Thank you for all the laughs, pieces of advice and corrections you have given me over the years. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best and making me a better version of myself everyday. Zack, thank you for everything you have ever taught me. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have you as a leader in my first few years of dance. Thank you for always pushing me to my fullest potential and adding a few jokes on the side as well, because not everything is always that serious. Costume shop, thank you to all of you for making our dances come to life on stage with your amazing costumes. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed and is forever appreciated. Lighting crew, thank you for helping us out the best weekend of the year. You truly help us transform the stage into something incredible. To my second mom, Jen Lee, thank you for always being an open door and being there for me 24/7. The amount of times I’ve just needed my “Jen hug” to start my night and how you are always there with open arms to keep me going. I would be no where near the dancer or person I am today without your support, love, and guidance along the way. Thank you for all the dedication you put into every single one of us and how you make us not just a dance studio but a family. There are no words to describe how much you have impacted my life and how you have changed it for the better and I am forever grateful. To Mom, Dad, and Susie, the amount love and support you all give me everyday is more than anything I could ever ask for. The sacrifices you make to allow me to do what I love is something I will forever cherish. Thank you for being my number one cheerleaders everyday!! Love you so much! Lastly, my best friend and sis Kenz. Thank you for being my ultimate dancer partner since day one. Getting to share the stage with you is one of the greatest blessing and I couldn’t be more grateful that I got to dance with you all these years, I love you! On one final note, it’s sad and scary to think what my life without CPAC will look like because I’ve never once before had to wonder how different it would be. I am forever grateful for all the lasting memories and opportunities I have had during my time at CPAC. I know I will continue to pursue everything I have learned during my next adventure and can’t wait to see where that takes me!! 
 
CHAKA OUT!!