April 16, 2008
I am not certain if there would ever be sufficient awards to Joe and all that he has contributed to dance and dancers - and continues to "give." Watching his young dancers rehearsing for their performance for the Professional Dancers Society luncheon, I was awed by their talent, passion, technique and professionally upbeat behavior. Joe has nurtured several generations of "The Next Great Dancers," hasn't he? Very few leave a "Legacy." Joe Tremaine is still "writing" his.
Larry Billman
Founder & President
DanceOnFilm.org
3/31/2008
I just want to say that my daughter really enjoyed the convention this weekend. She loved Keri LaGrand's Jazz class. I have never seen her move so confidently. She also really enjoyed Marty Dew, Doug Caldwell and Desiree Robbins. All of the teachers were wonderful. The whole experience was great for her. This convention was money well spent. I saw a side of my daughter that I didn't know was there. Having the dancers there to demonstrate for the studetns was great. That is something that we don't have at our studio that I feel was part of the reason why I saw my daughter dancing so confidently.
I also really enjoyed hearing Joe Tremaine speak at the Parent Forum. It was nice to hear what we were doing correctly and what we needed to look into.
Your Final Show was amazing. We really enjoyed watching. You have many talented people working with Tremaine.
Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend.
Janice Hoene
3/10/2008
Hi Joe,
Thank you for the sweet comment in your letter and indeed my feelings are mutually the same for you! Our teachers and students across America are indeed fortunate to have your sophistication, charm and class, as you are a great example of honest leadership and professionalism in the Dance World. My teachers and students thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much at your convention in Cleveland two weeks ago! May God continue to bless you and your staff of teachers with good health, travel safety, and many, many more years of successful conventions and competitions!
Thanks again for all you do for us!
Love,
Judy Conti
March 5, 2008
Re: 2008 Chicago Regional
Dear Tremaine Faculty:
I wanted to take a moment to thank you on behalf of the Illinoise Dance Academy and the Xplosive Edge Competitive Dance Team for a wonderful experience at your Chicago Regional event. Your teachers were amazing and made a lasting impression on the IDA dancers. Personally, I love the "get down to teaching" attitude of your faculty. The girls came back to IDA full of energy and enthusiasm to apply the skills they had learned over the duration of the weekend.
This was the girls' second competition of the season. They rose to the occasion and it proceeded to teach them a lot about themselves as dancers. After the weekend, the girls were eager to return to IDA and hear their critique tapes to gain a better insight on how to improve their pieces. They have nothing but accolades, respect and admiration for your entire staff. From attending your convention and competition, my dancers have truly learned "responsible" dancing and performing. It is lovely to be able to attend Tremaine whom educates, motivates and inspires young impressionalbe dancers. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job.
We look forward to seeing you again next season. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Trish Rowley
Artistic Director
Illinois Dance Academy
Feb. 6, 2008
Thank you so much for making the Chicago convention/competition such a wonderful experience! The Renaissance Hotel was a perfect location - We are so happy you have moved from downtown Chicago. This hotel was conveniently located and the staff went above and beyond to make it a pleasant experience. We hope you will continue to come back to this location each year. Likewise, your staff is wonderful to work with and your graciousness at all times makes for a great dance weekend!
Thanks again for EVERYTHING!
Lisa Hunziker
Jan 28, 2008
Dearest Joe, Desiree and The Best Team in the Business,
Words, these few tokens, and thanks are small gestures compared to the incredibly profound experience I felt this weekend. My attempt to describe how I feel after witnessing such energy and passion is feeble; how do you capture such an emotional experience. But what I can say is that with every spin, every stretch, and every step, you all share your love and passion for dance, and everyone in the room can feel it. Your dedication to the art makes the dream come alive. For three wonderful days, your fans can see the dream, feel the dream, and for a brief moment of their lives, see themselves in a totally new perspective. No wonder so many dancers and their parents love you all so much; you bring them unimaginable happiness and hope, and all they want to do is share that with everyone and come back over and over again; I know I do!!
Thank you all so much for letting me into your special family. I have never seen such teamwork and dedication to the customer. Pat, Edgar and the team's professionalism and attention to detail is second to none, and represents a level of innovation and execution which should be the model of all businesses. I know at times it all seems so routine, but that is because you have made it so efficient, that even when there are small challenges, they can be corrected with little effort and without sacrificing the customer experience. Of course when you are selling "The Dream", you have to be the best; and you are all the best!!
I look forward to seeing you all again and I can't wait to be back in my childhood fantasies of being on stage, being the star, and feeling the energy of a hungry audience. In a world so cynical and full of worthless distractions, your dance conventions are a "wave of inspirational energy" that nothing can compare to.
From all of your fans and myself, thank you so much for sharing your heavenly spririts with us; we are all humbled and so grateful for your generosity and dedication to creating wonderful memories we will cherish for a lifetime.
Love you all,
Steve Alvarez
November 13, 2007
Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend in Dearborn - it was just what we all needed. I have been such a fan of your convention for so many years - it was wonderful to see my dancers experience it. They (& their parents) LOVED it. It is so nice to leave a competition happy - you made those kids feel like a million bucks, and you didn’t spend an hour on the awards! Thank you SO much for that!!
Comments I received from dancers & parents:
"This feels so good - it is so much fun, yet we are learning a lot"
"That is the BEST Faculty Show I have ever seen"
"ALL of the teachers are GREAT"
I left with SO much usable material - the most I’ve ever gotten from a convention. I appreciate your seasoned faculty teaching age appropriate material that will not harm the dancer’s young bodies during an intense convention weekend. I appreciate your audition process - so fair & accurate & not time-consuming, or the major focus of the weekend. Your assistants were beautiful - hard working, helpful, kind, not arrogant, and so disciplined - such great role models for all of the students! Than you also for the informative Parents Forum, and Teacher Forum.
The dates are always a bit challenging for us - (working around Nutcracker rehearsals & our High School Musical that many of the dancers are in, always premiers on the weekend you are in Michigan) - but please know we will always put you on our schedule & I know more will attend after hearing the positive experiences that those attending had.
I have never seen my kids dance with so much JOY at a convention before. It was a beautiful experience for all of us - Thank you! Thank you!
With Love & Admiration,
Betsy Carr & Company Dance Traverse
July 16, 2007
To the Tremaine family,
Before, yes the night before-like Christmas Eve as a child, I’m so full of excitement, I can hardly sleep. I awake before the 5 a.m. alarm, and within a couple of hours, there I am standing in front of the Tremaine counter. Then Joe walks up to greet me as if I was a long time personal friend. And I am always honored by his attention and respect. And it all begins. I give my familiar speech to my students, and with wristbands on they are off to their classes. I can hardly contain myself as I rush to Doug Caldwell’s class, to meet and greet like an annual reunion, but most of all knowing I’m about to feel like that dancer I was at 21 again. The joy is so fulfilling "I AM HERE!" And Doug reminds us all why we are here, with the passion of his music choices, his warm-up, his inspiring/encouraging words, reminding us that life is about living our dance or is it that living our dance is about life. It works both ways.
In wanting to recognize everyone who makes such an amazing contribution to the Tremaine family, I wonder if it’s possible without turning this letter into a book. So I will limit myself to one line, but please keep in mind, that on the most part what I have to say would apply to most all of you.
Let’s start with Keith, "Mr. Efficient" who keeps things moving, which is a great way to start when we want to get registered fast.
Then we are greeted with an "I love you" kind of smile from Brandi, who calmly but quickly goes over our registration packet-making sure it’s all there and reminding me when to turn in my music (or anything else I have forgotten that I read).
Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. That man is everywhere all at once. He must have wings, and if I need something he helps make it happen. No, Tommy I’m not "brown nosing" (that’s an old expression marking my age) but I am so grateful for all you do.
The entire, THE ENTIRE, Teaching Staff was... more than the kids expected, it doesn’t get better than that! Knowing Desiree and Joelle since they were kids themselves, it is so much fun taking notes from them as truly knowledgeable teachers. They are so beautiful all grown-up.
Laurie’s book is on our shelf and also many of my students’ that I’ve bought it for. Thank you!
Chris and Marty- personally, well maybe I shouldn’t say personally - BECAUSE every other teacher was loving the same thing - they are just too cute, with different styles - new, new, new with the old and we all loved their routines. (meaning the students too)
Keri, I am forever grateful for those new stretches. I’ve had a bad right hip for years, and I have been pain-free every night since.
The students raved about Keith Clifton’s tap and they reminded me that they loved his ballet last year.
The joy is so fulfilling "I Am Here!" I always feel blessed to know the passion of dance, but please know how grateful I am and on behalf of my students fro bringing the best of the best to restore, regenerate, and INSPIRE our love of dance.
Oh, there is so much more, but I must/get to go teach. God bless you Julie and Joe, for having the dream to share your passion with all of us. As one of many thoughts shared by Chucky "make sure the audience feels your passion" AND YOU DO.
Always "gotta dance"
For the Glory of God,
Cathy of SHOWTIME
Dear Joe,
I have often felt compelled to write and thank you for all you do, but in the hectic aftermath following a convention, while getting my personal world back in order, somehow I have managed to put an appreciation letter to you way to far down the "to do" list... inexcusable. I think it is important for you to know what an impact you, your staff and teachers and your hard work have had on me, my students and my business.
I am a real believer in the idea that you can create your own "luck," and I have to tell you that one of the reasons I have had 33 years of "luck" is because I have had great mentors. Through your "Teachers Only" discussions and year-after-year "Hands On" example, you have been one of my mentors, giving me the tools and inspiration to run my business with integrity and pride. For example, many years ago, you and Julie Adler expounded on the value of a front desk person. At the time, I felt you were talking to someone else, since I had no budget or need for such an extravagant extra. Twenty years ago I gave it a try, and now I can't imagine trying to operate without her (she is my highest paid employee... and worth every penny!). Over the years your suggestions concerning recital, tuition, choreography, music choices, websites, etc. have been right on the money... THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Without fail, "Tremaine Weekend" has consistently given my students inspiration, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the art of dance. After being a part of the convention experience with your amazing faculty, they come back to my studio with a "fire" for class, craving critique, and desiring to work at their craft. They appreciate me and my teachers and have a renewed, healthy respect for other dancers and talent. My parents have a new found interest in all the positive aspects of the dance world, and have become educated right along with their kids.
Five years ago, I began bringing scholarship students to your LA Intensive. This amazing experience has now become part of our Competition Team operating budget, with dancers fundraising for a year to send eleven students "off to Hollywood." These lucky students are then required to produce a "Tremaine Experience" workshop for the rest of the team when they get back home, passing on choreography, technique, and "Dance Wisdom" they have gleaned from your teachers... a "pay it forward" lesson of sorts. It has been good for all!
Most of all, I want to thank you personally for being such a great example of success. I appreciate the way you are always there, always available, always "minding the store." Your influence has made me feel excited to be what I am and blessed to be able to do what I do - I am just one dance teacher speaking for hundreds more thanking you for what you have done for all of us!
Much love,
Debbie Jo
Dear Joe and Tremaine Family,
If I could look back on the past letters, I’m sure they would be very paralleled to my thoughts as I write this. In our lives we don’t always know what our "life memories" are until the thrill of them creeps into our body and gives us the very same chills of joy and excitement over again. Going to a Tremaine Convention, I get to relive those feelings and best yet, know that my students are getting a fabulous experience.
Please know that you have brought many life experiences to a place in my heart, which will be a part of me forever. And, to know that I’m just one of the thousands, or is it millions by now, that you’ve made a difference in our lives. What a legacy.
Of course, Doug"ie", Desiree, and Joelle are so dear to my heart, but your whole staff is such an important part of dance education, and living proof of the passion. And as a final note please let Brandi and Keith know how much we teachers appreciate being more than just a number and paperwork. They always are so friendly, while maintaining a very efficient, professional character. Again, a reflection of your leadership that we all benefit from.
Always "gotta dance"
For the Glory of God,
Cathy Gillaspie-Hillyer
Showtime Childrens Dance
Dance to me in a nut shell is TREMAINE!! Why? When I was very young my mother Judi went to Tremaine Nationals in Las Vegas. I had to be 9 or 10 years old, but I wanted to dance so bad. She enrolled me in the junior ballroom. I was a hot mess, but I loved it! Doug Caldwell pulled me up on stage, and I danced to "I Feel the Earth Move". It was the most amazing thing I had ever done. I knew then, it was what I wanted to do. I continued to go to Tremaine Conventions and Competitions through my teen years. I assisted, and eventually opened up my own studio, and brought students to it as a teacher.
What would dance be without Tremaine around? Not very fun. Where else do you hear Joe say "rubber legs, rubber legs"?
Tremaine, I love what you've done, and what you continue to do. Congratulations on 25 years, and 25 more to come.
With love,
Brian Friedman, B Free
Dear Tremaine,
Attending a Tremaine Convention is like going home. The organization seems to specialize in hospitality and personal attention. We have traveled quite a bit and used to attend a variety of other conventions. We have settled on Tremaine as our annual regional and national destination because our students learn more than dance.
Tremaine has struck the perfect balance between nurturing a love of dance and putting the students in a cutting edge, highly competitive environment. From our large past experience, we know this is very difficult to do. Joe is the Master. His insight into dance and education is unparalleled.
We are proud to be associated with the Tremaine organization. This is a top notch organization with highly organized regional and national conventions and competitions. Every dance teacher should check out one of their regionals at least once.
Anita Olson
Anita's Dance Center
Dear Joe,
Just wanted to congratulate you on 25 years of dance! And might I add you still look fabulous! It's been so many years since my scholarship term but I can't thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to dance with you. It has always been one of the greatest impacts in my life of dance. Hope you are well, think of you often! Congrats again.
Debbie Gould
Dear Joe,
Thank you for a terriffic weekend in Los Angeles. The kids and parents all had a great time, they loved the classes and the parents loved the professional atmosphere... so well run and organized! I especially loved Laurie Johnson. her tap is the best by far at any convention, she is a rare and beautiful gem!
It was great to see you, I really enjoyed the teacher workshop as I found it very informative. My parents all loved you and thought you were very sweet! It was a great kick off for our Spring Break! Now it's back to the grind stone!! Best wishes for your Nationals. Hope to see you again next year!
Much Love & Deep Respect
Betsy Melber
Agoura Hills Dance
Dear Joe,
Hi! Hope you are doing well and enjoying your year! I'm bringing about 40 students to Memphis this year for regionals. We're all looking forward to it! We also plan to join you in Orlando for the 25th Anniversary. I know that it will be great! My students and I were once again thrilled and honored to receive "Performance Of The Year" with "Think It Over". We will never forget Chita Rivera giving their performance a standing ovation in the National Finals. That was a moment to remember.
Thank you for always having such a professional first class event. The education that you provide for teachers and dancers of all ages is fantastic! That's why we keep coming back! Thank you also for the personal touch that you and Julie always add to make everyone feel special! See you in a couple of weeks in Winston-Salem!
Sincerely, Celi Shinn
Thank you for a great weekend in KC! My students, staff and parents are motivated and excited to work. Thank you for being so great year after year. We loved Ian in ballet and my kids feel like personal friends of the staff. I also appreciate the personal touch. Joe and Doug, you both made an impression on Holly. She is wanting to watch ALL of the classes next year! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Love, Heidi
Thank you so much for allowing the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders to be part of your dance convention. We really enjoyed performing and watching everyone else. It felt so good to dance for all of the talented young ladies! I hope to work with you again in the future.
Cheers, Nicole
Dear Joe,
We all look forward to our Tremaine experience every year, it is such a tremendous infusion of energy and excitement! You must feel so proud to have your name synonymous with pure, positive, love of dance. I know you see hundreds of teachers, but you make all of us feel special, your presence at the convention is always inspiring. Bottom line... Thank you for making this weekend one of our special memories in our journey!
Love, Lori