''Dear Miss June,
There are no words that can accurately express just how important Releve' has been for me, but just trust me when I say that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it. Other than the definite improvement in technique over the years, I feel like I have also grown ito myself here, and I wouldn't trade my experiences here for anything in the world. Releve Dance Centre has become my second home, filled with my sisters, mothers, & best friends that have truly become my family, and I owe a great portion of my happiness here to you! You have always been looking out for me and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done!
I remember being a member of another studio and always watching Releve’ perform at parades and always wondered what made Releve’ so much better, and I now realize that it is the combination of the work ethic of the students as well as of the teachers, and the bonds we make after spending all that time together that makes us successful. I’ve learned so much and I have so much that I’m taking with me to college. Through all the hard times and the great times, I have grown tremendously and have learned to deal with different kinds of people and situations that I never would have learned anywhere else. I’ve learned compassion and what makes a true friend. I’ve learned discipline and the importance of trying my best, all the time. I’ve watched myself improve as a dancer and a person, and as a student teacher, have been a part of other student’s improvement as dancers and people, something I wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.
So, thank you Miss June. I’m so proud to have been a member of Releve Dance Centre and I’m glad to say that I will be leaving here with a handprint on my heart with these last few years of memories. Thank you for choreographing my solo and for being a very influential person in my life. It means a lot to have a person like you to look up to (and get coffee for!) and that is as in love with dance as I am. This will not be the last you see of me, because I surely will be back to visit and hopefully if all goes well at UMass, I will see you in Daytona! I love you Miss June!!
JUNE 2009
“Dear Miss June,
My experiences at Releve Dance Centre have been the best. The environment you have made has led me to my best friends. I will carry Releve’ with me everywhere I go because it is such a big part of my life and I really do not know what I’ll do without it. You probably have no idea how many people you have changed for the better, but I really wouldn’t be the same person without this place. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I can’t think of any good times without connecting them to Releve’. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. You’ve helped me improve in tap tremendously with all your crazy stuff. I may have hated it at the time, but really, I am thankful for it because I am that much better. I’ll miss you. I love you so much.”
JUNE 2009
''Dear Miss June,
I cannot believe my time at Releve Dance Centre is coming to a close. RDC has been my home for as long as I can remember. Dance has provided me with a safe place to be myself. I have made the best friends and the best memories. I want to thank you for giving me all the opportunities I have had through dance, without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I honestly don’t know what I will do without you all next year. This year was wonderful. RDC is a family and I wish I didn’t have to leave it. You have taught me so much. Being a part of this team has not just taught me how to dance, but I’ve learned responsibility, compassion, hard-work, and how to love your teammates and classmates unconditionally. I hope you understand the amazing influence Releve’ has had on my life, I will miss my second family like crazy, and Releve’ will always be home to me, I love you so much. Thank you for everything.
Name 3...
JUNE 2009
“Dear Miss June and Staff:
I wanted to take a moment to tell you the outstanding job that you all did in making the recital week run so smoothly. Several members of my family who attended the recital commented on the incredible talent of your dancers and related to me that the entire production was something one might expect to see on Broadway.
This was my daughter’s sixth year at Releve Dance Centre and I have to say that, from our experience, all of the dance teachers, as well as those who work behind the scenes do a phenomenal job, week in and week out. I’m always impressed by how, regardless of how busy the studio gets, your staff always takes care of the dancers and their families’ needs with the utmost patience and professionalism.
My husband, myself and of course, my daughter, are grateful to be affiliated with a studio of your caliber. We think you are amazing!!”
JUNE 2009
From Habitat for Humanity...
''To our friends at Releve Dance Centre,
Thank you so much for your generous donation to Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk's Annual Thanksgiving Basket Program! Over 40 Habitat families received Thanksgiving Baskets thanks to you and many other participant families, schools, churches and businesses! We hope you all had a happy, healthy, and delicious Thanksgiving! We look forward to seeing you in December for our Adopt-a-Family.''
From the family that received our basket...
''To Everyone at Releve Dance Centre,
Thank you so very much for your donation. My family and I are so grateful that we will be able to sit and have a holiday dinner together. Without your generosity we may not have. Thank you and God Bless.''
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
NOVEMBER 2008
''Dear June,
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Being a part of the Releve team has been a tremendously positive part of [our daughter's] life. She has learned so much and her love of dance continues to grow. Thank you for all that you & your staff have done to encourage & influence her.
We wish you continued success for another 10 years!''
''Dear Miss June,
Thank you so much for all you've taught [my daughter]. It was amazing to watch her in the recital - what a great job her whole class did! You brought out the best in her. Thank you.
P.S. The whole recital was wonderful to watch you do an incredible job with this studio.''
''Dear June,
How can this be? It won't be normal not to see you 5-6 days a week, and have our little ''chit chats''! I'll make some excuse to come by - I promise!
Just as [my daughter] has grown these past 11 years, so has Releve! We've watched you go from a little store-front studio to the Bayport studio - bigger than ever! We were the ''Petites'' for the longest time - even after we looked like a ''Petite'' should! I am so glad we were able to share this journey of ours together. How fortunate for [my daughter] to have had you influencing her life in so many ways, as she grew-up. I couldn't ask for a better role model or special person to guide my little girl into adulthood!
Thank you from the bottom (& top) of my heart!
We hope you can put our gift to good use - something for the team! It'll always be very special to [my daughter] and I!''
''Miss June,
Wow, this has been such a crazy journey. Thank you so much for all of your help along the years. It's going to be very different without you next year. I'm going to miss you very much. I'm definitely planning on visiting when I can. Thank you for everything, without you I would not be headed on this path.''
''Dearest Miss June,
I am so grateful to have been a part of the Releve Dance Company this yr. This was the most amazing yr of my life. The studio has become my second home. Thank you for teaching me the skills I need to know to make me a more successful dancer. Through the ups and downs I have faced this year I always had the one thing that makes me happy to fall back on. That thing is dancing. It's the only thing I really enjoy doing anymore. I have you to thank for all of this. You run an amazing studio with the most amazing people in it. Thank you so very much for letting me take part in it. You have no idea how much you have impacted my life. You're an amazing teacher, and an amazing friend. I love you w/all my heart and look forward to working w/you and the rest of the teachers in the future. Thank you!
P.S. Congrats on ten yrs. I don't know how you do it. And also thank you for the award. It meant so much to me.''
''Dear June,
The feeling I had at the end of the recital was one I never wanted to end. It was a gem in time that I will always hold in my heart. You continue to amaze!
[My daughter] has had a great year - difficult moments - but a great year. Thank you for all the opportunities and motivation, as well as your incredible expertise you have given her.
She is so lucky! And I know she will gain much from the VIP tour. Thank you for your ''contribution to the cause''. We all appreciate it, and all you do.
Accept our token of esteem. Maybe it will add to your relaxation over at the beach.
Have a great summer, even tho' you'll be seeing all of us soon enough.''
''Dearest Miss June,
Wow! Where did all the years go? They flew because I was having sooo much fun dancing my heart out at RELEVE!! I can't believe this is my last recital. From Bugle Call to Gravity, you have been such a positive & artistic influence in my little life. My memories of Releve and your classes are priceless. You've helped me grow oh so much & not only as a dancer but as a whole person! I'll never forget when you made me do extra pushups & situps for skipping the St. Patrick's parade. I'm sorry I was being a thick headed teenager. But thank you for punishing me - you taught me a valuable lesson - and that's DEDICATION. Too many people ''drop the ball in life'', giving up when the going gets tough. But I can honestly say that your influence, along with my parents, has taught me to ALWAYS keep pushing! Miss June - I admire you more than you'll ever know & Releve will always be my second home! Thank you for these past 9 amazing years of dance! I cherish them all my life!''
''June,
Just to let you know that my granddaughter is now dancing up a storm in college.
Due to her years of lessons here she was able to pick it up again at Oneonta. She's choreographing a number and auditioned for many other numbers for their show. I will tell her to stop and say thanks when she comes home. That is an ispiration for all who felt they cannot find time in high school to go on later in life. I'm sure you know that already.
Anyway, thanks again.''
''Dear Merchant,
The children and families of Creations School wish to thank you for your generous support of our Twelfth Annual Fashion Show & Chinese Auction. Our unique fundraiser was held on Sunday, June 1, 2008 and was a huge success! All proceeds from the event are going directly to support the Cultural Arts Program for our children; including computers in the classroom, musical theater, foreign language studies and scientific programs.
Your contribution was an advantageous addition to the Auction and will be enjoyed by Creation School's supportive families. More than 600 guests were exposed to your kind donation through placement in our special themed baskets and acknowledgement of your business in our Auction Program. To learn more about our community and school please visit www.sayville.com.
Thank you once again, your generosity will help create opportunities for the young learners of our community and is much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Committee Co-chairperson
Committe Co-chairperson''
''Miss Lauren,
Caitlin remembers you and she always mentions you when she talks about New York. She was 3 and was frozen when the parents came into watch during visiting week. Then she burst into tears. Well the tears dried up since then! She danced (top photo) her 1st year here. Combo class again. She danced to ''You've Got A Friend In Me'' from Toy Story. (Bottom photo) is this past year Cheer Dance class a High School Musical Song, ''We're All In This Together''. She did awesome. She even danced at a sold out game w/Orlando Magic dancers. She is now in tap and jazz. She loves the jazz and will dance with the Magic Dancers again in January. You never know the impact you have in someone's life. She is still best friends with Kimberly. She visited us twice. The girls love animals and shared some special moments. It was your class they met. A lifetime friendship, I'm sure. I just wanted to let you know she still talks about you and she wanted to let you know she doesn't get scared anymore. She is now 6 and this will be her 4th year of dance and 3rd year performing. She loves the costumes and it has brought her out of her shell. Thank you for being such a good inspiration. She has always had a passion for dancer after your class. She always remembers you.''
''Dear June, Melissa, Alexandra, Kelly, Katie, Monika, Halie, Tracee, Brianna & Megan,
The residents & activities department would like to thank you for taking the time & effort to dance for us during National Nursing Home Week.
We truly appreciate your performances, talent & creativity.
Thank you again.''
''Dear Miss June,
Hi! This is a little note with a big Thanks. We just enjoyed Viewing Week at Releve. The kids are receiving a great workout in a challenging and fun environment. Every Thursday I enjoy taking a peek to see the kids dance. Thank you for structuring your lessons to be challenging and creative.''
''Dear Community Member,
The Bayport-Blue Point Teachers' Association would like to thank you for your generous contribution to our Scholarship Fundraising Event. Your donation has enabled us to honor Ellen Gafarian, a devoted teacher, who was dedicated to our community. A memorial scholarship has been established in her name and will be awarded to a graduating senior each year. Thank you again for your charity and kindness in helping us honor the memory of Ellen Gafarian.''
''Dear June,
Words cannot express my gratitude for your donation of unlimited dance lessons and all of the dance parapernalia that she would need, to a child in our Adopt a Family mission project. Your generosity brought me to tears and enabled a child to get one of her Christmas wishes. Without you, this wish would not have become a reality. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You are truly a wonderful person! May God always bless you.''
''Dear June,
How do I begin to thank you for everything these past ten years that you've done and for everything that you've been for both Tracee and myself. Giving Tra the venue to become the beautiful dancer that she has become - teaching her the values of true friendship, teamwork, leadership and the love and support that accompanies it. And what you have given me. You've made me feel a part of Releve, too. I am ever so grateful. I always have been. And I am very sad as I walk away from this last big performance. Our friendship will always go on.
You have made dance so much more than just movements with music. You have made dance embrace our lives with love and passion we will have forever.
Thank you for everything.''
