01/02/2024
Part 2
To My Dear Dance Family,
Now that we are about to finalize the closing of all things studio, I really want to relay a few final thoughts.
Mostly I want you to know that you have been my life. I have lived and loved the studio for 60 years. It shattered my heart to have to leave. But, it was indeed necessary.
I hope I have opened your hearts to the wonderful world of Music and Dance, and also Loyality, Dedication, Accomplishment, Camaraderie and Friendships that last a lifetime. It really was “About More Than Dance.”
Together we accomplished so much as evidenced by the fact that so many copied our out of the box and innovated ideas repeatedly. Thank you Miss Laurie! You made our studio a trailblazer by reaching into your bag of magical surprises and golden ideas, always forging new and exciting paths forward.
Sixty years ago we were the first dance studio in the state to present story ballets and not just recitals. It was my father’s wish to not let the audience get bored. Now everyone has caught on. But that was just the beginning. Together we have gained the capacity to go beyond anything we could have imagined. We have progressed to advanced characterization in dance, new audio ideas, contemporary scenery ideas, death defying skills, lifts and leaps. All the while teaching the best classical ballet, Russian Vaganova which is why our students were such beautiful, fluid dancers. They have always been told how professional they were. Always combining authentic ballet technique and style while actually dancing, not just moving or kicking. And, they danced with new choreography at every event and performance. You just never knew what those MGM Dancers were going to do next, elegance or fiery drama. You just knew they would be breathtaking . Thank you dedicated dancers!
All that was a success as we have students in dance careers now all over the country including on Broadway! I believe this was the legacy that Miss Laurie portrayed in her interpretation of Charlotte’s Web, our last presentation. Not just my legacy but her’s as well!
I mention all of this as it was not just me. It was a team made in heaven. Led by Miss Laurie and Miss Payton was our incredible teaching staff including Miss Sloan and Miss Claire. Also Matt, Ed, and Gerald, Miss Ashley, Miss Cindy, Jeff, Melissa, Emily R, Midge, Rhonda, Tim, Grace and Tanya. And, many others along the way. They were the face of MGM - without whom none of this would have been possible.
I could go on forever with all the accomplishments, community events, awards, outlandish laughter, dramatic moments, and tears of joy of our students from every single year. But just ask them. They will remember. Forever. As I will.
I love and miss you all. Please send me a message and let me know how you are doing. I will be around. Miss Laurie and I have been asked to guest teach at different places. Perhaps we will occasionally and maybe we can see you then. We also have some other amazing, pending ideas for some of our former dancers. Always thinking ahead!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I have included some photos our parents asked us to share. Also, I have been asked repeatedly to share a short memory video that was presented at our last performance. I will add that shortly.
All my love,
Mary Gail
