Dance has been such a big part of my life starting at age 3. Around eighth grade, I started to realize how much dance truly means to me and how my dance friends helped to shape who I am as an adult. This is an open letter to all my dance friends.

Dear Dance Friends,

Thank you. Thank you for being some of the best friends I could ask for. Thank you for letting me be as weird as I wanted and even joining in. Thank you for literally and figuratively supporting me through everything. I could not ask for better dance partners and life friends. I did not realize how hard it was going to be to say goodbye to you. We have grown so close that taking my final bow with my dance family just seemed impossible. I remember every detail of our last performance together. I was fine until I realized this was the last time I would dance with my best friends. I couldn’t believe it was the last time I would be able to share the stage with those who push me to be my best. It seems corny but I have truly learned so much from you.

I miss you. I miss dancing with you on friday nights while everyone else was out at parties. I miss our many jokes and the funny looks we would give each other regardless of how many other people were around. I miss learning from you. I miss performing with you. I could always look forward to the weekends when we would sit and stretch while reading textbooks or writing essays. I loved the drives, us singing all the way to rehearsal. The hardest part about going to college far away from home is that I can’t visit you every weekend. Trust me, I wish I could. I miss being able to watch you dance. You all are some of the most incredibly talented people I have ever met. The dedication each of you has amazes me and encourages me to improve myself.

I can't thank you enough for being a part of my life. You have taught me compassion, teamwork and dedication (as well as all the latest internet dance trends). You have encouraged me to be creative in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for being my models for dance photo shoots (the blooper shots were always my favorite part). And finally, thank you for helping me to discover who I am in this crazy world and thank you for just being who you are. Without you all, I don't know where I would be. Thank you.