SUBMITTED DECEMBER 21, 2009

Well, it’s approaching that time of year again…we’re gearing up for a new season, our 13th. I can’t decide if I should dread the 13 (my mother was very superstitious), or embrace it. I have decided instead to "celebrate" it by remembering all the wonderful memories and anticipating the exciting future that is to come.  Most mornings I spend a little time checking emails and this morning as I respond to friends I have made from coast to coast I am reminded just how thankful I am for all of the friends we have made in the past 13 years.  This morning I visited with a dance teacher in DC, San Francisco and St. Louis, and shared thoughts and ideas with a fellow competition director in LA. When we started this business, our circle of friends was concentrated in the Midwest. Now, although we don’t yet do shows on the East or West coasts, our small network has expanded to include so many wonderful professional and social friends nationwide. I am blessed to be a part of this crazy dance world.

As for the kids, it is so fun now to turn on the TV and literally cheer our former contestants on as they are making their mark in the professional dance world. Last season we rooted for Ade as he climbed further and further up the "So You Think You Can Dance" ladder. We watched Tucker dance on awards shows and many a dance video. He’s now on tour with Lady Gaga. We’re enjoying watching Alana and Janell on their newest national commercial and we celebrate the stage credits of a number of our kids in professional theatre including cast members in the Broadway and Chicago professional casts of Billy Elliot. All of these kids I was privileged enough to watch do some growing up on a TOP stage. I will watch all of this season’s TOP kids with great anticipation as for what their futures might hold. I am also beginning to experience (as my increasingly gray hair attests) former TOP kids bringing their own studios to competition and convention. The most amazing part is watching their own kids compete, as they take on the "Dance Mom" roll. Parents, I appreciate your kind words and encouragement, and friendship too!  I have developed many solid friendships with parents who don’t just focus on Overall awards, but instead on the lasting memories their children will have from dance and competition. Of course, not every child will choose to continue on with dance. We also love to hear about the many former TOP kids out there making their mark in all kinds of professional careers across the country. We are very proud of their success as well! So I look forward to season 13 with excitement and gratitude for all of you who have made, and continue to make, TOP the "family" that it is! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to "Our Family"! Kim