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"Our two girls have been dancing with Ms. Merri since they were three years old; now they are 8 and 10 years old respectively. Ms Merri and her instructors bring out the best in both our daughters. They demand great effort and reward the girls by never giving up on them. The instructors truly show the girls they CAN do it and a great smile goes a long way. The environment is a family feeling of warmth and the only competition is to compete with yourself. The dancers can rely on each other, respect each other, and it really feels like a family. It's a safe environment and builds self confidence. Ms. Merri has really been a staple in our family. Thank you for everything you've done for them."
Tammie BellParent
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"Meredith, I want to tell you, the kids talked for weeks after the recital. At the beginning of the year, my son (5 years old) was unsure about going on stage (stage freight). As time got closer, he couldn't stop talking about it. As the day concluded, he wanted to go back up the following weekend to perform again.The confidence that built during the year, is a lifetime skill he will have. My daughter (7 years old) enjoyed the year, and can't wait to join Company dance group this year. She is so excited and can't wait to learn new dances. Each year, she builds on her dance skills and dances all around the house. We are enjoying classes this summer and can't wait for the new year to start."
David KaplanParent
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"Dear Meredith, I want to thank you for making Dance Through the Ages my family's dance home. You have us all dancing and we love it! Megan has been dancing with you since she was 3 at Chesterbrook and even though she is not your traditional dance girl, you, Ms. Gaby, and Ms. Christine have put a spark in her that makes her want to come back year after year and this will be number 7. Kylie is about to start her third year and I know she will want to join Company as soon as she is old enough. She LOVES dancing and all of you. You make dancing a great experience for the kids and their moms (dads too). My favorite days of the week are the ones I come for adult classes. You and all of your staff have rekindled the love I had for dance when I was younger and it is a joy to have such a variety of adult classes and spend time with others who have a love of dance too. The instructors are always encouraging whatever your level of skill. The best has been the opportunity to dance with my daughters in the recital the last two years. That has been an experience that we will all will treasure for life."
Kim Kessler GarityParent
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"Dear Merri, Dear Gaby, Dear Christine, WOW, WOW, WOW! I don't know how to express it any other way. This is our 6th show and it keep getting better and better. And it has nothing to do with the fact that the audience applauded when my Melanie was lifted in the air by Randolph (although that helps, of course!) The hard work pays off, I am sure you can see it for yourself. Of course, the 3 years of Company mean that your Company dancers are growing in talent, experience, stage presence, technique, etc.... And it shows. I was blown away by the quality and the level of difficulty of some of these routines. And the quality and choice of costumes was as usual outstanding. I have never been disappointed.And what a pleasure to not only see you teachers dance but have fun and enjoy yourselves on stage as well (Christine, you're such a ham! I love you!). Merri, Gaby, you have known and taught and nurtured Melanie for 6 years. Thank you for your support and for caring for her in such a special way. Christine, this was our first year but hopefully not our last with you: Melanie wants to do ballet again next year. I love you all and appreciate all of you more than words can express. Thank you for another wonderfully successful year."
Agnes Grimonpont-AguirreParent
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"Meredith-I wanted to send you a quick note after the recital, but Caroline and I are still dancing! Caroline had an amazing second season and has grown both as a young lady and a dancer. The recital was beautiful last year and I understand first-hand just why all of the other families were so excited for the big day. But this year was just magical. After a 20-year break from dancing, I decided myself to jump back in. As it did with Caroline, your studio provided the perfect, caring environment for me to do something which was- to be honest- a bit scary. You have such a treasure in Miss Christine. I have seen her work with dancers of all ages and I am amazed at her ability to communicate dance to anyone who sets foot in the studio. After having worked on our mother-daughter dance for a few months, we brought the girls in to begin to learn their parts. I really can't begin to fully describe the moment that happened when Caroline saw me dance for the first time. When we finished showing the girls the first part of what we learned, she ran to me and hugged me with tears in her eyes. I will never forget that 4-year-old little face looking up at me. That never could've happened had you not fostered such a wonderful environment. I'm not sure how you found them all, but you have surrounded yourself with the most amazing group of women. Each of your teachers care for the children as if they were their own, yet they all have their own unique style. I cannot think of a better place for Caroline to grow up in dance than at your studio. Thank you for doing what you do. You are teaching my daughter so much more than dance. Dance through the Ages is family to us, and we couldn't be prouder.
Christine GeffnerParent
