“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure!” – Ernie Harwell
It is with great sadness that I write this farewell. As many of you know, this is instructor Paige’s last week at Aerial Dance. I found the above quote not only moving, but very fitting for this farewell. Paige is not saying goodbye to all of us at Aerial Dance, she is merely saying hello to the next chapter in her life!
Within the next couple of days Paige will begin her adventure to California. Her bright personality has brought so much joy and happiness to Aerial Dance. We are very sad to see her go, but we know that with as much talent and grace that she has, her aerial journey will take her far! I would like to take this time to share with you the first time I had class with Paige.
Vertical Barre
When I began my journey at Aerial Dance, I was not familiar with all of the instructors. I had seen Instructor Paige in passing, but hadn’t had the pleasure of having her as an instructor. In the studio she was always smiling, bubbly, and making people laugh. I thought to myself that she was a pretty great person and would probably love to have her for an instructor. During this time I was finally branching out from pole into the conditioning and flexibility classes. My first class with Instructor Paige was Vertical Barre, which if any of you know Instructor Paige, she absolutely loves to teach Vertical Barre! It’s her favorite!
At that time, my knowledge of Vertical Barre was very minimal. I walked into class not sure what I had gotten myself into. I was making small talk with some of the other students, I shared that it was my first Vertical Barre class. One of the other students looked at me and said, “Oh you are in for a real treat! Paige’s Vertical Barre is one of the toughest, but funnest classes!” In that moment, I’m pretty sure that my jaw hit the floor. Instructor Paige came out into class with her show stopping smile and peppy attitude, ready to start. The warm up was enough to make me sweat!
As we made our way through class, I was sweating buckets, my muscles were on fire, and I was pretty sure I was going to die. But, Instructor Paige was leading the class only the way she can with her extraordinary energy, she continued to encourage us through the class. Her level of energy and happiness seemed to drown out how exhausted we were. By the end of class I found out what the other student had said was correct. Vertical Barre was a real treat and I hadn’t worked out that hard in years.
When we finished class, I could feel every muscle in my body, even the ones I didn’t know I had. At that point, I was 90% sure that I would not be taking Vertical Barre again, but when I was putting on my shoes, Instructor Paige walked to me and shared that she was extremely proud of how well I did and that she looked forward to seeing me in class soon!
That is one thing that you can always count on from Instructor Paige. She is constantly watching, seeing how hard you are working! She always takes the time to let you know how well you are doing. This quality of hers is one of the things that I am going to miss the most about her.
Au Revoir
The studio will not be the same without your radiant smile! We will all miss hearing your stories about Vincent and the adventures you have your motorcycle. You have been an inspiration to so many of us at Aerial Dance. Thank you for all of the years you dedicated to the studio and to your students. We are all blessed to have had you in our lives. Please keep that shine you have about you and don’t let the world change that. You are going to take California by storm!
You will be dearly missed!
I am not going to say goodbye, because I hope that you will come visit us back here in little ole’ Wisconsin.
So until next time!
Janelle
