08/26/2020
Dear Families, 8/26/2020
I am reaching out in this format to make sure everyone hears my side and decision directly from me and there is no miscommunication going forward.
It is with a broken heart that I have to write this letter. I want you all to know how much I have loved your children as my own and I have only tried to do best by them and the Studio Families. But unfortunately, COVID-19 has hurt us all in one form or another and the Studio is another victim to this new way of life. There are several reasons that made me come to this conclusion and I want you to know that it was not done lightly.
I have had the pleasure to have been a part of this wonderful community and have watched MANY children come and go and have even had the chance to teach second generations which has been so amazing! But with every year our numbers have decreased slightly and it has become harder and harder to justify small class sizes that take up precious time away from my own personal family. My boys are getting older and more involved in activities that I want to be a part of. Not to mention that my husband travels out of town for work which leaves me juggling multiple schedules. The time has come that my family needs to come first.
The second factor dealing with our low number is money. In the 15 years my doors have been open I have never once raised my prices because I wanted what was best for the children. I always stated that this was not going to be “a get rich gig”, I just needed enough to pay my bills. But now with all the uncertainties and restrictions, even with the families that are willing to come back, I will not be able to fulfill my obligations (rent, bills etc.) I do not want to raise prices because I know times are still tough and that goes against why I started the studio.
The final factor is the ever-changing rules and expectations of my teaching job. Currently, Highland is going back to school in-person and offering a virtual option. I have been directed that because of my numbers, I will be in-charge of the seven children in-person as well as the four children that are in the fifth grade attending virtually. This means I need to offer evening hours to contact/work with those children and their families. Again limiting my time to offer dance classes. If or when we close school due to COVID-19 cases, my hours become 1-7:30pm, limiting all possibilities of offering dance classes.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I make this decision to close Lisa’s Dance Studio. Thank you for the years of support and I wish each of you a healthy year.
With all my love,
Lisa
