Graduates

Christina Faria
I have been dancing at Mission Dance for 14 years and my experiences here have taught me so much. All my teachers pushed me to be a better dancer and a better person. They taught me technique and gave me confidence. Through dance I have learned that though no one is perfect, everyone can be great if they are guided by people as passionate about their jobs as the teachers here. I thank each teacher for their support, encouragement and understanding. I would especially like to thank Becky, Donna and Nicole for making me the dancer I am and giving me the confidence I have and Gary for being one of my biggest water polo supporters! This is one giant family in which there are so many people to learn from and look up to, I hate to leave. Thank you for making dance such a big part of my life because without it and without all of you, I would be lost. As I head off to the University of California, San Diego in the fall, I will take everything I have learned from dance with me because I know that these experiences make me a better person. Thanks for the memories. I'll miss all of you!

Nicole Hall
I have been dancing here for five years and have enjoyed it every step of the way. In doing tap, jazz and ballet, I have learned extremely, both physically and emotionally. I plan on taking everything that I have learned and applying it when I am gone. I am attending San Diego State and going in undeclared. I will not forget the wonderful times I have have had here. Thank you Donna and Becky for believing in my talent when I first began. It gave me a boost of confidence and I am tremendously grateful. Angela, thank you for everything. I think of you as a second Mom and good friend. You have helped me grow into what I am today. You instilled trust in me and I hope I made you proud. Thanks to all.

Karen Riotoc
The past twelve years at Mission Dance will forever be a part of me. These years have always been something more than just dance classes. Over time, a sense of comfort and strength developed in the studio. I know many dancers will agree with me when I say that Mission Dance is a second home. I have learned so much from the countless hours of practice, numerous competitions, and trips to conventions an camps. The most important things I have gained over time are valuable friendships and relationships. To my dance team and friends - thank you girls for all the laughs, talks and memories. They mean so much to me. Becky - I'll always remember solo practices on those hot summer afternoons and the time spent after practice just talking about everything. You have been there through it all and seen me grow up. Thank you for the compassion, understanding and the love you've given me along the way. Donna - you have guided me through the years, you have helped develop my dancing as well as my character. Thank you for your encouragement and direction. Mia - you are my inspiration. You've taught me how to dance from the heart and have shown me the rewards that come from striving to reach my full potential. You are an amazing teacher and friend. Thank you for your dedication and passion. Corie - you never fail to challenge me with a new, crazy leap or turn that you had created just a second before instructing us to do it. Thank you for your optimism and teaching me to go beyond the conventional. Dad, Mom and Brian - I will never be able to thank you enough for everything. Thank you for staying by my side no matter what. You three mean the world to me and I love you very much. I will miss you all more than you can imagine. I'll take the lessons I learned and unforgettable memories we made with me as I go to college in August. I will be Attending Loy9ola Marymount in Los Angeles and am taking a couple dance classes there as well. I cannot thank you all enough. I love you.

Kara Wiley
I have been dancing at Mission Dance since I was three years old. These past fifteen years have been full of memories that I will cherish forever. I have taken classes in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe and lyrical. Mission Dance has been a second home and a second family as I have spent countless hours preparing for the next competition or show. Many people have guided me to where I am today and I am so grateful for each and every one of them. To all my teachers, especially Donna and Becky, thank you for all that you have done for me. You have been such an inspiration in my life. You have taught me compassion and dedication along with challenging me to reach my full potential. To all the girls - we have been together for so long. I wish you luck and hope all your dreams come true. And finally to my parents - I cannot thank you enough for your support. I love you so much. In the fall I will be attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in Liberal Studies with plans to become a teacher. Mission Dance will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget my time with you.