Aug. 10, 1999
      
     EVER SINCE BEFORE I CAN REMEMBER I was always dancing. I took my first class at the age of three and have been dancing ever since. When I was four, I practically lived in a pair of ballet slippers and a pink tutu. I danced everywhere I could, in the kitchen, living room, garden- even at parties I would entertain the adults. In education, as a young child, I always preferred to read my favorite series, Angelina Ballerina. My family knew how much I loved ballet so, from an early age they got me involved in the arts. I always did and still do see a few performances from San Francisco Ballet and Moisev Dance Ensemble. I also go to many symphony performances so I could appreciate and enjoy the classical music that is used in class and on stage in making the dancing come to life. I also knew many performers in the orchestra and ballet companies. One time, I even had two pair dancers from the Moisev Dance Ensemble celebrate my birthday with me! My family knew them well so I talked and danced with them the whole night. The girl dancer gave me her pointe shoes and signed them. I was at least five at the time. I remember trying them on everyday hoping that one day my foot would get larger so I could wear them and dance like her. Funny thing, just this year I took a look at them and was amazed at how tiny they really were.
   At my old school, - - - - - -, I took ballet and modern dance. My teacher only focused on the soloists in the class and very rarely gave me pointers or corrections. I was amazed, when I came to this school at how you gave everyone equal attention and corrections. I was also impressed with how professional the class looked. I remember being afraid to leave my old school and friends behind, but when I watched your class I had a good feeling with the school. I was also quite touched when you pulled out two chairs and told my mother and I to feel free to watch the class. This gesture made me feel welcome and honored to watch the older girls perform. I knew from there that I wanted to be here. For the first semester, my classes were from 6:30PM to 8:00PM. This worked well with my school schedule. I was surprised at how quickly I made friends, everyone made me feel welcome. For spring semester I was promoted to a new level. I was afraid to join this level because I made so many friends and now I had to leave them. Unlike many girls in my class, I did not know anyone in this level so I was afraid nobody wanted to be my friend and that the class would be very difficult for me. When I started, everyone got to know me and I made friends quickly. In a week I felt as if I had been close with them for years. They helped me in everything, whether it was a combination that I did not understand or how to tie my pointe shoes. There was no competitive atmosphere. Everyone just helped each other. That's why I owe half my progress to them. They were my support system. That's also why I never hesitate to ask someone for help or give help. (I still kept in touch with my friends from the first semester)
   For the first month, I had a lot trouble and struggles in class. As you know well, I do not have a dancer's body at all. I'm a bow legged girl with little turn out, poor instep and unnatural flexibility. I certainly had my share of discouraging classes, but who doesn't. Sometimes I would cry (alone) in frustration and feel as if I should give up. But, I persevered and reminded myself to keep dancing and working hard not just because I was behind in everything, but because I loved to dance. I worked hard and practiced as often as I could. For instance, if I was watching TV or reading, I would put my feet under the couch to improve my instep or work on my splits. My main goal was to improve my instep so I could be stronger on releve and pointe. Soon, I started working on my instep everywhere. My family started to get a bit curious as to why my feet were always under the couch or in a drawer. My instep began to slowly improve (key word slowly) and I am still working to improve even more.
   When we began practicing for the recital I got a bit nervous. The pieces you chose were quite jazzy and full of pizzazz, but since I had done only ballet for most of my life I was rather stiff. I just couldn't loosen up no matter how hard I tried. I practiced in my room and after some time I got the hang of it, but in class I was still stiff I only started to really perform it about a month before the recital. I got a lot of help and pointers from the older girls and I slowly began improving more. When the recital came I was focused and I tried my hardest. I think our whole class, including myself, really enjoyed performing it and knowing that all our hard work had paid off. When summer term came, my goal was to improve and be in shape for next semester. I was so happy that all my friends from last semester were promoted and we would be dancing together. We caught up on the latest news and later I introduced them to the older girls. Soon, our whole class was friends with each other and everyone was ready to improve. I was very happy when you did your corrections on our recital. I did not feel discouraged at all, but on the contrary a rush to improve everything that I could so I could be the best possible me.
   I suppose it has stayed with me because this semester I was determined to improve myself. Not just my technique, but I wanted to not just do the combination but perform it with the best of my ability, just as you tell us in class. I am very excited about the demonstration. I am practicing hard to be able to help me experience performing in front of an audience. I think that I have improved a great deal this year. I have learned ways to improve my technique, upper body, stamina, and my facial expression. But, I have not only learned the gift of dancing here, but the gift of love. I see it everywhere in your school. Whether it's the friendly teachers and staff or the dancers who care and improve from each other. I could not have improved as much as I have without the help of my fellow classmates who are also my friends and to you above all, Miss Poon. You taught me not only new ways on self impovement in ballet, but to bring your choreography to life, dance it, do your best, and above all enjoy dance. I know that in this school, with a mix of my own dedication and hard work and the training and treatment that I have, will help me to become the best I can be. Thank you very much, Miss Poon.

Anastasia