Happy Birthday, ADC!

Today we're celebrating Atlanta Dance Central's 4th birthday!  Atlanta Dance Central opened on October 1, 2009, and has been spreading a passion for dance throughout the Roswell community since then.  We met up with Ms. Charlotte recently and she shared with us some of her favorite accomplishments Atlanta Dance Central has made since opening it's doors.  There have certainly been many, but here are a few:

1. Going from 47 dancers in ADC's 1st recital, to over 200 performers in the 2013 recital.  It's hard to believe that the studio has grown so quickly, which can easily be seen through the end of the year recital.  In our first recital, there were 47 performers.  Our growth was noticeable when we split our recital into a Kinder and Youth recital in 2012, and then in 2013 had to add a second Kinder show. It is amazing to watch so many students fall in love with dance and perform for their family and friends in the recital.
2. Another favorite accomplishment of mine is watching our dancers grow up.  Even though the studio is only four years old, I have been working with some of the students for 7 years.  I love watching the students grow in their dancing, and also grow as people.  We have a wonderful group of students who are responsible, caring, and passionate about what they do.  By now some of the students that started with us are in the youth program.  They are taking dance seriously but having fun at the same time.  I'm glad that I get to come to work and develop relationships with each student whether they are here for one hour a week, or 10!
3. Building a 3 Level Foster-Schmidt Program with a Foster-Schmidt Company!  Working with students with Down Syndrome has always been a passion of mine.   We started out in 2009 with only 1 Level of 6 week sessions.  Last year we opened three levels of weekly Foster-Schmidt classes, and this year we had our first audition and accepted our first Foster-Schmidt Company.  I can't wait to see what kind of opportunities our Foster-Schmidt students will have in the future!
4. My greatest accomplishment, and something I am most proud of is when people understand, respect, and support the mission of the studio.  I couldn't have opened the studio without the support of the parents and students.  I truly consider them part of my Atlanta Dance Central family and have enjoyed watching this family grow.  So many parents have come on board, and have faith in what we do, and it means a lot to have that overwhelming support.  I love that after only one year of dancing, people can tell their friends what our studio stands for, without having told them directly.  I am also happy to have staff, both past and present,  that believes in my mission.  They have helped create the supportive studio environment that we have today.  I love what the faculty, parents, and students have helped me build and can't wait to continue this journey together.

Happy Birthday Atlanta Dance Central, and all of the families and students that have been with us along the way.  We are happy to be celebrating another successful year, and are looking forward to many more!