“Dancing with the Christine Rich Studio definitely has shaped who I am. In high school, I was dancing a wide variety of classes CRS offered, six days a week, and I was a CRS teaching intern. Being this busy, I learned how to prioritize my schedule and maximize my free time. Upon graduating from high school with honors, I went to Arizona State University in Tempe on an academic scholarship. I am currently double majoring as well as minoring in dance. Not only did I receive excellent dance technique from the Christine Rich Studio, but I also learned how to manage my rigorous schedule. The Christine Rich Studio also instills a strong sense of determination in their students. Practicing hard until something is accomplished is a skill that I have taken from my dancing to use in my daily life.”

Kyleen Jeans, 2003 CRS Graduate,
7 years at CRS, Graduate with Honors

“The Christine Rich Studio provides a wonderful opportunity to learn and execute the art of dance. The studio helped me perform the types of dance that I desired, allowing me to excel in each of them. I learned how to manage my time between school and dance; time management is a skill needed for many aspects of life. I enjoyed my time at CRS and have a great appreciation for the hard work and dedication of dancers. I know that I will forever walk around with choreography running through my head and my feet in constant motion.”

Caitlin Huth, 2006 CRS Graduate,
10 years at CRS, Graduate with Honors

“My eight-year involvement in the Christine Rich Studio was an impressive credential to list on my college applications, especially when I was required to indicate the number of hours per week engaged in the activity. All those hours of dance training showed commitment, perseverance, and discipline. I appreciated the caliber of instruction, the cross-training opportunities, the camaraderie, and the encouragement I received at CRS, and I had a great time along the way. As a bonus, I get lots of compliments on my posture and I kicked butt in P.E. class in pushups, crunches, and flexibility.”

Elise Nieman, 2006 CRS Graduate,
8 years at CRS, Illinois State Scholar

“Although I am not pursuing a career in dance, the time I spent at the Christine Rich Studio is priceless to me. I danced at the Studio for nine years, and in addition to the excellent dance training I received, I made strong friendships and greatly improved my self-esteem. I was even selected as a teaching intern. I feel that I have become a confident adult, and a large part of that confidence comes from my experiences dancing with Christine and her staff. I was always encouraged to push myself and give my best effort, a lesson that I soon began to apply to life outside of the dance classroom.

"In addition, I learned to balance my dance schedule with my school commitments, without compromising my grades. Now, as I begin my college education, I see that my years spent at the Christine Rich Studio were a very beneficial and meaningful part of my life.”

Michelle Johnson, 2005 CRS Graduate,
10 years at CRS