Aug. 15, 1998
      
SINCE I BEGAN DANCING LAST SUMMER  I have noticed many changes in my life. Not only have you taught me the importance of precision, strength and purity in dancing, but these values have been extended into my life outside of dance. More importantly, however, you have taught me the importance of passion. You have made me understand that in order to achieve my goals I must not only be passionate about each step, no matter how small, on the path to my goals as well. One cannot walk along this path making each step with only half their heart and expect to arrive in the end having accomplished what they set out to do. You have taught me that hard work–that I put my whole heart and soul into–is the only truly honest way to achieve what I most desire. Whether it be in dance, school, or with my family and friends. 
     Furthermore, you have not only taught me these values but you have made me truly believe and live by them because I have seen them in motion through your example. I admire the way you give your whole self to your job and I am grateful for your apparent desire to see all of your dancers succeed. It is not often that one finds a teacher so willing to put herself on the line in order to ensure her dancers' success both in and out of the studio. Your example has inspired me to give my all to everything in life; even those things that seem difficult or trivial. You have ignited a fire inside me, and for this I am extremely grateful. 

          Sincerely,

          Harper