‘Tis the season to be thankful! After eight summers at Brant Lake Dance Camp, I still thank my parents for sending me to such a magical place all those years ago. I feel immense gratitude for all BLDC has done for me. From singing the Alma Mater with our arms draped over each other to our epic lip sync battles, camp is a place filled with love, laughter and lifelong friends. After eight years I still have regular reunions with Z Cabin of 2010!

Brant Lake Dance Camp is a place that fosters leadership, confidence and unconditional love. What’s unique about BLDC is that competition doesn’t exist, we as a community push each other to grow in this art that we love. Mia Michaels said it best: “If you dance with your heart, your body will follow.” I also learned if you dance with your best friends the fun will follow. I love how BLDC mixes a structured dance curriculum (with amazing teachers) while still emphasizing the fun of camp. What other place brings girls who all love to dance together while having campfires and cozy movie nights? At Brant Lake Dance Camp you come for the dance, and stay for the friendships!

The best part about going from camper to counselor to key staff is that I get to grow with those campers who return with me. Whether it be the lifelong camper who is in her last summer or the camper who worked endlessly over the summer to get her triple pirouette and debuts it during WIPs (Works In Progress). I was at another camp for five years before coming to BLDC, and I realized Brant Lake Dance Camp goes beyond what it means to be an exceptional camp.

I thank Brant Lake for giving me a place to enjoy my summers, and for also helping me realize what I wanted to do career-wise. As an aspiring educator in my first graduate school year, I get to use what I learned at BLDC in my classrooms.

So, while I am munching on my turkey this month, I am also counting down the days ‘till camp and reminiscing about BLDC Cupcake Wars and snuggling up with hot chocolate on the rocking chairs with my Brant Lake Dance Camp family.