Dear Joe,
I have often felt compelled to write and thank you for all you do, but in the hectic aftermath following a convention, while getting my personal world back in order, somehow I have managed to put an appreciation letter to you way to far down the "to do" list... inexcusable. I think it is important for you to know what an impact you, your staff and teachers and your hard work have had on me, my students and my business.
I am a real believer in the idea that you can create your own "luck," and I have to tell you that one of the reasons I have had 33 years of "luck" is because I have had great mentors. Through your "Teachers Only" discussions and year-after-year "Hands On" example, you have been one of my mentors, giving me the tools and inspiration to run my business with integrity and pride. For example, many years ago, you and Julie Adler expounded on the value of a front desk person. At the time, I felt you were talking to someone else, since I had no budget or need for such an extravagant extra. Twenty years agoI gave it a try, and now I can't imagine trying to operate without her (she is my highest paid employee... and worth every penny!). Over the years your suggestions concerning recital, tuition, choreography, music choices, websites, etc. have been right on the money... THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Without fail, "Tremaine Weekend" has consistently given my students inspiration, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the art of dance. After being a part of the convention experience with your amazing faculty, they come back to my studio with a "fire" for class, craving critique, and desiring to work at their craft. They appreciate me and my teachers and have a renewed, healthy respect for other dancers and talent. My parents have a new found interest in all the positive aspects of the dance world, and have become educated right along with their kids.
Five years ago, I began bringing scholarship students to your LA Intensive. This amazing experience has now become part of our Competition Team operating budget, with dancers fundraising for a year to send eleven students "off to Hollywood." These lucky students are then required to produce a "Tremaine Experience" workshop for the rest of the team when they get back home, passing on choreography, technique, and "Dance Wisdom" they have gleaned from your teachers... a "pay it forward" lesson of sorts. It has been good for all!
Most of all, I want to thank you personally for being such a great example of success. I appreciate the way you are always there, always available, always "minding the store." Your influence has made me feel excited to be what I am and blessed to be able to do what I do - I am just one dance teacher speaking for hundreds more thanking you for what you ahve done for all of us!
Much love,
Debbie Jo
Dear Joe and Tremaine Family,
If I could look back on the past letters, I’m sure they would be very paralleled to my thoughts as I write this. In our lives we don’t always know what our "life memories" are until the thrill of them creeps into our body and gives us the very same chills of joy and excitement over again. Going to a Tremaine Convention, I get to relive those feelings and best yet, know that my students are getting a fabulous experience.
Please know that you have brought many life experiences to a place in my heart, which will be a part of me forever. And, to know that I’m just one of the thousands, or is it millions by now, that you’ve made a difference in our lives. What a legacy.
Of course, Doug"ie", Desiree, and Joelle are so dear to my heart, but your whole staff is such an important part of dance education, and living proof of the passion. And as a final note please let Brandi and Keith know how much we teachers appreciate being more than just a number and paperwork. They always are so friendly, while maintaining a very efficient, professional character. Again, a reflection of your leadership that we all benefit from.
Always "gotta dance"
For the Glory of God,
Cathy Gillaspie-Hillyer
Showtime Childrens Dance
Dance to me in a nut shell is TREMAINE!! Why? When I was very young my mother Judi went to Tremaine Nationals in Las Vegas. I had to be 9 or 10 years old, but I wanted to dance so bad. She enrolled me in the junior ballroom. I was a hot mess, but I loved it! Doug Caldwell pulled me up on stage, and I danced to "I Feel the Earth Move". It was the most amazing thing I had ever done. I knew then, it was what I wanted to do. I continued to go to Tremaine Conventions and Competitions through my teen years. I assisted, and eventually opened up my own studio, and brought students to it as a teacher.
What would dance be without Tremaine around? Not very fun. Where else do you hear Joe say "rubber legs, rubber legs"?
Tremaine, I love what you've done, and what you continue to do. Congratulations on 25 years, and 25 more to come.
With love,
Brian Friedman, B Free
Dear Tremaine,
Attending a Tremaine Convention is like going home. The organization seems to specialize in hospitality and personal attention. We have traveled quite a bit and used to attend a variety of other conventions. We have settled on Tremaine as our annual regional and national destination because our students learn more than dance.
Tremaine has struck the perfect balance between nurturing a love of dance and putting the students in a cutting edge, highly competitive environment. From our large past experience, we know this is very difficult to do. Joe is the Master. His insight into dance and education is unparalleled.
We are proud to be associated with the Tremaine organization. This is a top notch organization with highly organized regional and national conventions and competitions. Every dance teacher should check out one of their regionals at least once.
Anita Olson
Anita's Dance Center
Dear Joe,
Just wanted to congratulate you on 25 years of dance! And might I add you still look fabulous! It's been so many years since my scholarship term but I can't thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to dance with you. It has always been one of the greatest impacts in my life of dance. Hope you are well, think of you often! Congrats again.
Debbie Gould
Dear Joe,
Thank you for a terriffic weekend in Los Angeles. The kids and parents all had a great time, they loved the classes and the parents loved the professional atmosphere... so well run and organized! I especially loved Laurie Johnson. her tap is the best by far at any convention, she is a rare and beautiful gem!
It was great to see you, I really enjoyed the teacher workshop as I found it very informative. My parents all loved you and thought you were very sweet! It was a great kick off for our Spring Break! Now it's back to the grind stone!! Best wishes for your Nationals. Hope to see you again next year!
Much Love & Deep Respect
Betsy Melber
Agoura Hills Dance
Dear Joe,
Hi! Hope you are doing well and enjoying your year! I'm bringing about 40 students to Memphis this year for regionals. We're all looking forward to it! We also plan to join you in Orlando for the 25th Anniversary. I know that it will be great! My students and I were once again thrilled and honored to receive "Performance Of The Year" with "Think It Over". We will never forget Chita Rivera giving their performance a standing ovation in the National Finals. That was a moment to remember.
Thank you for always having such a professional first class event. The education that you provide for teachers and dancers of all ages is fantastic! That's why we keep coming back! Thank you also for the personal touch that you and Julie always add to make everyone feel special! See you in a couple of weeks in Winston-Salem!
Sincerely, Celi Shinn
Thank you for a great weekend in KC! My students, staff and parents are motivated and excited to work. Thank you for being so great year after year. We loved Ian in ballet and my kids feel like personal friends of the staff. I also appreciate the personal touch. Joe and Doug, you both made an impression on Holly. She is wanting to watch ALL of the classes next year! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Love, Heidi
Thank you so much for allowing the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders to be part of your dance convention. We really enjoyed performing and watching everyone else. It felt so good to dance for all of the talented young ladies! I hope to work with you again in the future.
Cheers, Nicole
Dear Joe,
We all look forward to our Tremaine experience every year, it is such a tremendous infusion of energy and excitement! You must feel so proud to have your name synonymous with pure, positive, love of dance. I know you see hundreds of teachers, but you make all of us feel special, your presence at the convention is always inspiring. Bottom line... Thank you for making this weekend one of our special memories in our journey!
Love, Lori