SESD Families,

Thank you all for a great first couple weeks of class, we hope you’ve had just as much fun as we have! As many of you know, I have spent this summer loving on my first baby; and he has completely stolen my heart! Becoming a mom is a transformational and beautiful experience, and I appreciate your patience as we navigated the first few weeks of class.

Owning and directing SESD has been a huge part of my life and identity for many years. Studio ownership brings so much joy, but it is also a very demanding role. After much self-reflection, prayers, and tears, I have decided to step down as owner/director of SESD. I am incredibly grateful, thankful, and proud of the students I’ve taught, the shows we’ve produced, and the growth of our students over the past 13 years. This program has been a dream come true, and it’s been a privilege and a gift to watch your girls grow up. I have had the time of my life creating and instructing all your wonderful dancers! As hard as this decision was to make, it’s become clear that I am in a much different place and am a much different person than I was all those years ago. My focus has shifted, and it would be selfish not to admit I’m no longer the best person to lead SESD.

That said, I am VERY excited to announce Miss Sidney Rowland as the new owner and director of Southeast School of Dance!

You may remember Miss Sidney as one of our instructors from last season. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sidney and was impressed by her passion for dance and desire to educate the next generation of dancers—her vision and drive very much align with the desires I’ve always held for SESD, and I am positive she is best person to direct and grow the studio I spent so long caring for.

While I won’t be in the classroom for a while, I will support Miss Sidney in any and every way as she transitions into her new role. We are both dedicated to the long-term success of SESD and growth of our dancers, and I cannot wait to see where she takes you!

Thank you for all the years of dance, laughter, and memories; I am forever thankful for each and every one of you.

With love…and for the last time,

—

Mrs. Katherine