TESTIMONIALS ‐ A CASE FOR DANCE at the Tahawus Center, Au Sable Forks, NY ______________________________________________________________________________ 

Rob Farkas, Au Sable Forks – SWING DANCE FOR ADULTS

From personal experience I can heartily recommend Rebecca and Craig’s Swing Dance Class at Tahawus in the Forks. It’s really fun and not nearly as humiliating or embarrassing as I feared it might be. Just the opposite in fact. And, an added bonus is being able to watch Rebecca and Craig dance together. It’s like being at a private performance given by two exceptional artists.

Janine Kemp, Saranac Lake – DANCE BASICS My family's business ventures positively impacted the early history and growth of Au Sable Forks. I could never have imagined that at the Tahawus Center my skills as a trained dancer and teacher of dance would find a place alongside the hard work and devotion my grand-parents and great-grandparents gave their hometown. Walking into Tahawus Lodge in Au Sable Forks, New York and having the opportunity to take a dance class in this small Adirondack town was like coming home.

Elizabeth Sanpietro, Au Sable Forks – KIDS CO-MOTION Tahawus Center in Ausable Forks, NY was home to an opportunity we don’t normally find in our town. In addition to their adult dance classes, Rebecca Kelly Ballet (RKB) introduced us to their kids’ program, Kids Co-Motion. When I heard that RKB would host Kids Co-Motion in Au Sable Forks, I was delighted! In the past, when I wanted to enroll John in an enrichment program, it meant traveling to Plattsburgh or Lake Placid. While we are willing to travel for our child’s enrichment if necessary, taking a 30 mile trip for a 45-minute kids’ music class is out of reach for some families. But, I must admit, it was much nicer to travel a mere six minutes. Plus, having the classes nearby means that local kids who might not normally meet can form relationships with friends in their neighborhood rather than those who live forty minutes away. For my 4-year old son, John, this was a chance for him to be exposed to various music and movement combinations. Through Kids Co-Motion, John learned genuine dance steps without realizing he was learning them. Yet, when he’s home, he’ll say, “Let me show you my passé step;” so, I know he was paying attention.

Annie Scavo, Ausable Acres, Jay - BALLET BARRE FITNESS

I was very fortunate this summer to have the opportunity to take an adult ballet class with Rebecca Kelly at The Tahawus in AuSable Forks. I can’t express how much it meant to me to be able to take a class of this caliber in my own hometown. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild and a professional mime I have studied at Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham in New York City, and this class was on an artistic par with the best of them. The only difference was that I’ve never had such a beautiful setting for a class. Classes were held on the top floor in the newly restored studio that was flooded with light from huge windows that overlook the Ausable River.. In a two week intensive I could feel my body responding and my spirits lifting. Rebecca is a wonderful teacher. She knows how to train your muscles to enable you to complete movements that you thought were beyond your reach and she watches each student so she can correct with a touch or offer a word of praise for a beautifully executed step. She manages to treat you with professionalism and respect while creating an

atmosphere of trust and sheer enjoyment in the pleasure and beauty of dance. With more offerings like this, The Tahawus Center will be the centerpiece of revitalization of this beautiful town.

Darrell Austen, Certified Arborist, Wilmington

Ballet makes a great way to stretch and improve balance, etc. I really enjoyed the dance classes. It was a new experience for me. I look forward to the next classes.

Sue Pulitzer, Au Sable Forks I had the pleasure of participating in the Adult Ballet Class taught by Rebecca Kelly at

the Tahawus Center in Au Sable Forks. At age 64, and not having been near a ballet barre for well over 50 years, I was a little apprehensive but looked forward to experiencing again the joy of dance and the sheer exhilaration of moving again in ways I had long forgotten. I wasn’t prepared for the quality and intensity of the instruction. Rebecca conducts class, as she does everything—with 100% commitment and dedication to quality. She knows quality—she IS quality. And I knew I’d experienced quality after taking one of her classes. It was challenging. It was exhilarating. And it was fun!

TESTIMONIALS REBECCA KELLY BALLET’s ONSTAGE PROGRAM in the Adirondacks

August 2016 Karen Lordi Kirkham, Director, Pendragon Theater, Saranac Lake, NY, Dickinson College, Dept. of Theater and Dance Dear Rebecca, It was more than good dance-- truly lovely-- both the morning and your company. Thank you for the moments of beauty. I haven't been able to see your work in a few years and it was a pleasure to "return." I appreciated what you had to say about the nature of performance-- especially in theater--- truly so momentary but lasting. I know my children had similar experiences and thanks to you and Craig for all your work and dedication. They had a great time and Felonica was so happy to be pushed to try to keep up with the "plus" group. Thank you for letting them reach a bit ahead. Your art center also sounds wonderful and I hope to be able to see it before the summer disappears! July 2016 Keri McAuliffe, Plattsburgh, NY Thank you so much, Rebecca, for a fabulous performance and for the gifts you've given my daughter these past two weeks. July 2016 Scott Tuller, Au Sable Forks, NY Thank you both so much for the education and the entertainment…that “Desire” piece blew me away as much as the “Refugee” piece of 2015...great art...please thank your dancers for us as well. Great performances Rebecca Kelly Ballet...the last one surely blew us away ...thank you so much.

ONE ONSTAGE STUDENT SAYS Being a part of Rebecca Kelly's Onstage Program is truly the best 2 weeks of my summer! There are many things that are unique about this camp. It is a wonderful environment to learn not only dance but other things as well. I meet other kids who enjoy dancing as much as I do. I work on discipline, confidence, performing on stage and my technique. I get to work with Rebecca and a variety of other teachers/dancers who are all amazing! This summer I was in the intern program. As intern students, we are able to see what daily life would be like if we were dancers for a company. During the 2 weeks we prepare dances for a public performance. This gives us the students, a chance to showcase what we have learned. We also had the opportunity to take company class and watch their rehearsals. I enjoyed that very much. We learn about a variety of dance genres from the different teachers. It has really opened my eyes to just how large the dance world really is. It is a lot of fun to try new things! All in all, Onstage was and always is a great experience. One that I talk about for months after it’s over. One that I won't soon forget. One that I always look forward to. And one that is the best 2 weeks of my summer!! ~Ally Germain, Plattsburgh, NY ~August 2016

TESTIMONIALS TAHAWUS CENTER in AU SABLE FORKS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Our neighbor’s son attended a science camp at your location last week. It is so incredible for you to

offer these wonderful enrichment opportunities to people in the area, old and young. Elfers Family, Hawkeye/ Silver Lake

As healthcare professionals, we recognize and value all of the health benefits that Dance can bring to everyone. They (Craig Brashear and Rebecca Kelly) are so talented and passionate about Dance, and have so much to give to everyone in our Community. AuSable Dental Center

It is wonderful that this jewel (Tahawus) is in such close proximity to my home. I offer my

assistance as a volunteer for the center. Kudos on this awesome day!! (“Holding up Half the Sky – Being a Woman in the North Country” Tahawus’ first Day of Inquiry) Liv Dawkins Haller, Cadyville

As the owner of the building across the street, I am grateful for the renovations you have achieved.

You have turned what was once a community eyesore into a beautiful space for community and cultural events. Keven Douglas, Main St building owner, Au Sable Forks

The Tahawus center continues to be a “Five Star Presence” in our small village in upstate New York.

Because of Craig and Rebecca’s vision, creativity and just plain dogged determination and hard work, an abandoned historic building has become an exciting and vibrant pulse in a community once close to being on life support. Sue Pulitzer, Bridges/ Main St. Revitalization

We were blown away by all the work you have done with the building and your vision for the Center.

Jodi Keet, Cloudsplitter Foundation Trustee

July 2015 Scott Tuller... As the President of the North Country Ballet Ensemble (Plattsburgh, Lake Placid) and a parent of a student dancer, I congratulate you and your staff on another remarkable Onstage Dance program....You always seem to cheerfully push them to new heights in dance....watching our North Country kids embrace those challenges and do so with determination and glee is magical....thank you.... Au Sable Forks, NY July 2015 Lynn M Cheeseman (Parent of participant student) The students have the most awesome experience. Instruction by professional dancers, an opportunity to see them dance on stage and a shared support system with all the friends and family who support our dancers. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you Rebecca and Craig for continuing to bring this experience to our ADK youth. Wilmington, NY July 2013 Johanna Carmany, , (Student) Out of the 52 weeks in the year, the week of the Rebecca Kelly Ballet Onstage Camp is always one of my favorites. I’ve been coming since 2006, and I look forward to it every summer. It is a rewarding week filled with learning and laughter; I feel as if I learn more in one week in the summer than I do the entire school year. With only a few days to prepare us for a performance on Friday, the company does an exceptional job of not only putting together an amazing show, but really making sure we receive an enrichment in dance. Their focus is not on the performance; it’s to make sure we’re all learning and getting as much out of the week as possible. Of course, this always ultimately results in an outstanding show anyway - one that my entire family looks forward to every year as well. Rebecca Kelly never disappoints, in any way, shape, or form. I can’t thank her or the Company enough for how much they have taught me through the years, about dance and about life. Potsdam, NY July 2013 Tiffany Alderson, (Student) This is my 9th summer participating in Rebecca Kelly Ballet. Throughout these 9 years, I have not only learned more about dance, but about myself. I have made some great relationships from RKB, especially with the teachers too. This program also teaches you how to work with people. As an intern, I learned how to work with the little kids. I learned so much more in a week than I would in any other studio. I love RKB because it teaches you the human side of self-expression in a very unique way. She is able to connect the performers and the audience through dance. With her great choice in instrumental music and her simple but flattering costumes, Rebecca makes you focus on what dancing is all about. Not only is she great, but her dancers are too. We are exposed to a variety in ballet, and also many other types of dance. RKB has inspired me so much to want to possibly pursue a career in the arts. Raquette Lake, NY 2011, Bob Sheila and Joanna Rosenblum My daughter attended the Rebecca Kelly ballet camp in Lake Placid this past summer. It was her fourth time doing it, and, as usual, she had a wonderful time. No matter what we have planned for the summer, we always make sure to leave those two weeks open to be at our vacation home in Lake Placid for ballet camp. Rebecca Kelly Ballet offer high quality instruction with the ability to learn from professional dancers. The unique choreography and international music styles are something that my daughter does not get from her ballet studio at home in Westchester County. I believe the Rebecca Kelly Ballet camp is a real asset to the region. Westchester, NY 2011, Ann Badeau My 16 year old daughter, Emily, had a wonderfully enriching experience participating in the Onstage program this past summer. The opportunity to take classes and perform with such spirited professional dancers was thrilling for her. Not only did she enhance her dancing technique but she gained insight into the lives of professional dancers. There are a number of dance schools that offer lessons but this particular program is unique. It provides young children and aspiring dancers who do not live in major metropolitan areas the opportunity to learn from and perform with a professional New York City ballet company. That is quite remarkable and exciting! I couldn’t have been more pleased with the quality of teaching and the very positive influence of Ms. Kelly and her dancers. Manchester, NH