A belated graduation post for Anna Ackerman <3

June 2019

Anna Ackerman who technically isn’t graduating from high school, but she is graduating from Sovereign Ballet as she embarks to further her training at Pittsburgh Ballet School’s year-round program. It’s been an amazing transformation from when she attended her first ballet class in socks, leggings, and a t-shirt a short 4 years ago knowing nothing about dance. She took two weeks of ballet during the summer then began her training the fall of 2015 at the age of 13. Before you think she just miraculously began to dance the way she does now, although she was naturally coordinated and flexible, she struggled and struggled with learning a simple soutenou turn. My first parent meeting, her mom asked if it was ok if she doesn’t pursue this as a career. Which of course, the benefits of the self-discipline needed for dance training is valuable for any career. However, after her first performance of “The Quiltmaker’s Gift”, it was never looking back for her from there on out. A few attributes that stand out about Anna; she completely trusted me. When I gave her a correction, I usually only had to give it once; she would have it mastered by the next class. She never gave me an excuse of why she couldn’t do something, she would do research, or we would take time after class to work with me on it until she discovered which muscle needed strengthened then she would take the initiative to strengthen. More difficult corrections, she would take a few days or weeks to work on it, then would come back to me and asked if she improved it. Please don’t use the excuse that she was homeschooled; that’s why she was able to dedicate so much time. I believe she acquired the old-school discipline from having to watch over 7 younger siblings. Remarkably, on much sacrifice of her parents, she has been at the studio taking every class possible this past year. She has made herself available to me and has helped me with costumes, opening the studio, teaching when I’m sick, leading warm-up, improving my teaching ability and expectations, and all with the most humble yet confident spirit I’ve ever witnessed on another human being. I feel honored beyond measure to be able to witness the incredible transformation of this young dancer and woman of God. You have no idea how I’m going to miss you!