All of us who teach, at one time or another, encounter a student who surpasses everything one can imagine. Once in a very long while, we get treated to the rare excitement when watch a "baby dancer", new and unsure of herself (as we all are when we begin), blossom into an incredible, confident, and absolutely dazzling performer. Then, with any luck, we get to see the result, as I did at the last Menagerie. Seeing that is what makes me remember why we do this thing - for the joy and love that we can bring into OTHERS' lives, as we live our own lives with the joy and self-confidence that this beatiful dance form brings.

What I saw at the Menagerie blew my mind. Gillian, you've turned into the most amazing dancer, not to mention that you are and have always been an absolutely wonderful, down-to-earth, fun person. I'm so proud of what you've done and continued to do. I feel honoured to have been a small part of your learning - your skill and dedication to this dance form is astounding, and I get all teary-eyed thinking about how you just continue to grow and blossom . . .

Here's to you, dahlin'

From a teacher turned fan . . .