Kathy,
Another great performance!!! Your recitals are the best. I love the
costumes and the music is always so appropriate for the age of the student. Oh, the pictures in front lobby and all the photo albums -- exceptional. I did get a little teary eyed when looking at all the pictures of Allison, Gina, & Kate [past graduates]. Even though we want them to grow up I still miss the excitement of dance. Take a bow, you deserve the applause. -- Caroline DeGraaf

All three of my children have thrived in the developmentally appropriate, non-competitive environment at APA. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere has been particularly important for our daughter, who has autism. -- Sheryle Dixon

I love APA because the dances are fun, the costumes are awesome, and the classes aren't too long. I also like the music we dance to and the teachers are wonderful! APA is a GREAT place to study dance!!!
-- Sophia Bradley

My mom gave me a Brian Andreas painting once that says “For a long time she flew only when she thought no one was watching.” APA taught me how to fly when people were watching. Honestly, dancing with Kathy and everyone at that studio (which wasn’t, by the way, about competition or skinniness or fake curly ponytails or millions of fouettes just for the applause) shaped my personality, leadership ability, and confidence immeasurably. -- Kate Vickery

It has been such a wonderful nine years that I have been able to spend with you. Getting to know you has been amazing! Thanks to you I have been able to go from a new, clueless dancer, to "Puss" from Puss 'n Boots, and finally to an educated [and artistic! - kf] dancer. -- Sage Wimmer

So many memories and stories. So many fun events and occasions. So many hours of dance. So many weeks of rehearsal. So many months spent in your studio. You remember me when I was just a small child. And now, I'm all grown up... you have been my teacher longer than anyone else. So thank you for everything.
I was trying to think of a good way to finish... but the reality is, my letter shouldn't end. This is not my "good-bye" - it is only a "see you later". I promise to keep in touch... Maybe some day you will see me on stage playing my marimba, or see a beautiful performance in the
Hill Center of Performing Arts. Who knows where life will take me?
Thank you for every moment you have shared with me.
-- Heather Hill

The times I had in the APA dance studio were some of the most pleasurable times in my life. Not only did I learn the techniques of ballet, tap and jazz, I found the person I wanted to be by learning life lessons at APA. Working with many different personalities forced me to broaden my own character and appreciate the unique dancers in my classes. I gained several close friendships that I would not have had otherwise and had excellent mentors along the way. Dancing gave me a more outgoing personality by forcing me to go out of my comfort zone and try new things, even if I thought they sounded crazy. It opened my mind to new possibilities and gave me confidence that I could do anything if I just tried. The person I am today and the person I hope to be in the future is greatly influenced by the experiences and education ahat I had in my classes.... Ultimately, it was not just an activity in my planner; it was a part of my lifestyle, and it became a part of me. -- Carlee Zigray

To the Academy of Performing Arts Studio,
Laura and I want to express our deep gratitude for your involvement with our show. Your dances had elegance and beauty. Without the APA, the show would have been missing that one piece that glues everything together. We thank all of the girls for helping out.
Wowsers! The audience loves you and so do we.

Kathy Francis, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was extremely teary eyed right after I introduced your dancers and Laura as we appeared in the last performance on Sunday. You provided expertise and skill and talent everywhere. I hope this has been a good thing for everyone. It has for us. Thank you!

-- Paul and Laura Tedhams

A wonderful teaching experience! Positive, nurturing atmosphere that services the complete dancer. The students were focused and committed to the learning process, stretching their skills and vocabulary to the next level. -- Barbara Phillips

It has been very rewarding to have been a part of the scene at APA. Thank you so much for sharing such a gifted and welcoming community of dancers and families. I have sincerely enjoyed being a part of their lives! Thank you for your generosity, for your autonomy, for your trust, your guidance, for allowing instructors to try crazy things on the students, and finally for caring so much about the students and always, uncompromisingly choosing the path that will help them to grow. Thank you! I look forward to another year!
-- Nic Gareiss