06/11/2016
From Alisha Schumaker
To my Onstage Family,
Last night was my senior recital. I know you weren't all there physically, but you were there in spirit and definitely in my heart. Onstage is a studio that many of you will never be able to find one similar. We weren't just a couple of dancers showing up every day to take our classes and go, we were family. I always had a smile on my face from the moment I walked in the doors and when I was having a bad day, there was always someone there to lift me up. My passion for dance grew and thrived here. 15 years of dancing at this studio meant so much to me and I want to thank you all for giving me my second home. You were all my family. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss you. I didn't know how lucky I was to have danced at this studio until it was gone. My advice to all of the younger dancers: Just because one door closed, doesn't mean that all the doors are closed after that. Things happen unexpectedly, but they also happen for a reason. Take what you have and cherish it. Every moment is important. And don't stop dancing. If you love it, never give up. Dance is something that defines you. Dance with your heart. As many people have told me, great dancers aren't great because of their technique they are great because of their passion. Time flies and before you know it, you will be dancing for the last time. I had the amazing opportunity of growing up in dance at a place where the artistic part of dance was recognized. You don't find that at many places anymore. I'm so lucky to have been shown the artistic side of dance and I owe that all to you. Thank you again for everything you have given me. You gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. All of the love and support is so appreciated. I may not have danced my senior recital with onstage but, in my heart I was. My last dance was danced for you. I am forever grateful to say that I was apart of Onstage Studio.
And to my teachers,
Thank you so much for all of your kind words you wrote to me. I was crying after reading them. You will never know how huge of an impact you have had on my life. I can't thank you enough for everything you taught me over the many years I've taken class from you. Ashley Hill, I have always loved watching you dance and I will never forget the late night fun production classes or your weird comparisons. I loved every single number you choreographed. You personally really showed me the true artistic movement of dance. Dom Glover, you have pushed me to better myself in ways you will never understand. You made class fun and challenging at the same time. It wasn't recital day unless we were finishing the dance on the stage before we were up next. Darrah Nowak, it's crazy to think that I had you when I was just a little kid. You have taught me so many things that have shaped me into the dancer I am today. There was not one number of yours I didn't enjoy performing. Chicago was definitely my favorite though. Brady Vallade, hip hop has always been my favorite type of dance (I'm pretty sure everyone knows that) but your class will always be my favorite. Hip hop isn't the same without you teaching it. You helped me find my confidence. Thank you for giving me such a fun experience that made me fall in love with hip hop even more. Hilary Lindsay, ballet was never my "favorite" class. Even when I was little I never wanted to do the barre work. But you definitely challenged me and pushed me. Without you, my technique wouldn't be as strong as it is. Whenever I felt my foot not being pointed completely I would hear your voice telling me to point those toes. And finally, Kim Schumaker, thank you for giving me years of artistic tap. You have taught me such great technique in my tap shoes. Without you, I wouldn't have grown into the tapper I have become. After having a different tap teacher, it only made me miss your class more. You challenged me and pushed me to my limits. Whenever I said "I can't" you showed me that I can. Thank you all for everything. I love you and miss you so much. There aren't enough words to show you how grateful I am to have grown up taking dance from each and every one of you.
