May 15, 2009

My Dear Dance For Fun Family,

First and foremost I want to thank you for bringing your child to Dance For Fun this year.  In these tough economic times, your business is even more appreciated.

My landlord was forced into bankruptcy due to IRS obligations.  The current building we have been leasing for 7 years, has been in foreclosure for the last 3.  As you well know, the building conditions have been deplorable (leaking roof, septic issues, exterior maintenance).  I am legally considered to be under the financial obligation of a lease signed 4 years ago.  I have been forced into litigation regarding these issues and am asking for your help.  I would like the attorneys and trustees of this property to be made aware of the poor conditions of this facility and am asking for you to send me a letter or note stating such.  Send to me via cbassdancer@hotmail.com

A new owner has purchased the building at auction and although I have been offered to stay on as a tenant, the rent would increase.  With that said, I believe the best business decision is to relocate.  Our new studio will be at 3046 Baldwin Road on Baldwin and Waldon (behind Blockbuster, yes my old location).   Although the facility is smaller, it makes sense to streamline and cut costs right now.  I am, however, looking for property (preferably on Baldwin Rd.) to build a new dance/fitness/tumbling studio within the next few years.   

Under the guidance of long time instructor, Michelle Larnard, my daughters, Charlotte and Abigail, as well as a few DFF students, had the opportunity to train and attend a few dance competitions this year.  Dancing competitively is not the “JonBenet-like Beauty Pageant” experience it once was.  Over the years, I have experienced our better dancers leaving DFF to pursue a higher level of dance training via the competition route.  Some of my dancers are just fantastic right now and I don’t want to lose them (especially Abby!) so we need to kick it up a notch!  We will be introducing competitive dance (the fun way) at our new studio.  Some of you may not be interested in competitive dance. We will not be changing our recreational program or philosophies.  However, with the move, and these changes, we feel it best to change our name to: 

Starz Performing Arts Academy.  This name better encompasses all of the things we have been doing (theatre, tumbling, cheerleading, etc…) as well as making your child feel like the Super Star they are!  But please know that wherever we go, whatever we do, when we dance it will always be for FUN!  So there you have it- lots of changes.  I know that many of you are going through lots of changes in your life as well.  If I may share of favorite quote about Change:  “A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn!”  

Hoping you make the turn at Waldon with me.  See you at Starz!

With Love and Thanks,

Miss Cindy

Cynthia Bass