For Mrs. Mancuso, And For Dance. By: Isabel Kitchen

Dear Mrs. Mancuso,

Thanks to the privilege I received of being able to be a part of the Dance Team, my senior year is concluding filled with forever lasting memories and lessons learned. Dancing for you has not only helped me grow as a dancer but also as a person, I have learned so much of the importance of persistence and teamwork, I will be forever grateful for the selfless way you have built my confidence and that of my teammates. Every day in class I admire your passion for dance, so much that it has inspired my own. I have learned that dance is so much more than a hobby, it is an art, a dream, and to those who truly love it, a lifestyle. Defining the word dance is more complex today than it has ever been before, for it is now deeper than simply a stream of consecutive movements. Dance is an emotional release, it is passion in its purest form, it is the closest connection I have ever had with my body. I will never forget the early morning Tuesday rehearsals with Ashley (I have never sweated or worked so hard in my life!), reading the amazing letter or recommendation you wrote for me, learning how to tap, praying with everyone before a show, learning from Ms. Leonardo, finally being able to do the splits (on both legs) and off course, my most precious memory, leaving my heart on the stage. I will never forget when I walked up to you my Junior year after Dance Auditions had finished to tell you that I could no try out for the Dance Team because of the cost of the uniform, you continued to tell me that you would never want something like money to keep me from dancing and that we would figure something out. It was never easy for me, I had never danced before, I was not flexible, I did not know how to do a pirouette, I did not even know what a leap was, but I found a true love for dance, and a comfort in knowing that you had faith in me. I still do not know how I’ll be able to cope with not dancing every day, but I give you my word that I will always find a way to keep Dance close to my heart and as a part of my life. Dance has given me a sense of confidence and accomplishment, it has taught me about pride and dealing with disappointment, of sacrifice and happiness. You have taught me about love and patience, endurance and determination, control and hope. Thank you so much for doing what you do and being amazing at it. I will miss you very much.

                                                                    Love,

                                                                                 Isabel Kitchen