Words from our readers

The letter from Frances has moved me to comment [“Ask Rhee Gold,” May/June 2009]. I see both sides of the equation. I work at a dance studio that has a main studio as well as rented space in a church, with portable bars and a curtain dividing the classrooms. While the main studio has more of the “bells and whistles,” the students there may need to adjust when recital time comes and they have no mirrored friends to follow. But at the church space, the students copy the teacher, so facing the audience is less of an issue.

Yes, at the church I might have to clean up after another group. But I’m sure my studio owner appreciates the fact that heat and electricity are included, and come winter, so is the plowing.
April Mosher
Mary Ann Studio of Dance
Springfield, Agawam, and Wilbraham, MA

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Thank you so much for the great article on our studio’s Make-a-Wish experience [“Making Dance Wishes Come True,” May/June 2009]. I was reading the magazine at the doctor’s office and I almost wanted to stand up and share it with everyone. You are the best! It’s the only magazine we get or want. It answers everything. Now all the new features on the website—it is amazing.
Pennie Bleil
Just For Kicks School of Dance
Port Orchard, WA

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I want to commend you on the success of your magazine. I’m sure you hear this quite a bit, but I’m totally hooked on Dance Studio Life. I see no need to subscribe to any other dance magazine because I can get all I need and more from yours. I go back to past issues for ideas and information all the time.

I’m writing to advise: As studio owners, we put trust in others, but we must never let our guard down. I got burned by a teacher and dear friend (so I thought), who informed me that she would no longer be teaching at my studio. Two days later I saw a sign announcing the opening of her school. I will not let her discourage me. I will continue to stay focused on my business and not hers. I want to make other owners aware that they should watch their backs.
Shelly Clark-Moore
Pink Slipper School of Dance
Leesburg, GA

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Our studio is celebrating its 70th season this year and we would like to know how many schools across the country join us. I am sure there are many, and we would love to know who they are and what their stories are. We know that ours is the oldest school in South Carolina. My mom started the school in 1939, and she still goes to the local Elks Club on Friday nights and kicks up her heels a bit at 87.
Linda Oltmann Walker
Trudy’s School of Dance
Charleston, SC