December 20th, 2009
Mr. Hirschl,
I don’t know where to begin, except that my high school choir teacher once told me that family does not have
to be a person who is blood-related to you. It can just be a person you love, you care about, and you appreciate. With that
being said, I consider you to be family. Mr. Hirschl, I don’t know what I would do without you. It is because of you
that I am who I am today and where I am in this world. You have played the biggest role in teaching me the art of ballet which
in turn got me accepted into UC Irvine. You have shown me how far I can go and how endless my limits are. You have reassured
me about the value of character, love, and morals. Lastly, and most important of all, you have accepted me and believed in
me.
First of all,
I don’t know how I could ever repay you for all those things you have done for me. This book is my Christmas present
from me to you. I know you said all you wanted for Christmas was for everyone to be happy and for us to put on a fantastic
show, but I wanted to take this first step of appreciation. I did not decide to give you this book because I think you are a bad teacher, nor with
the intention of telling you how to teach. The dedication of this book from the author reads “For all those who devote
their lives to placing passion and a love of life in the hearts and minds of others.”.
Not only does that describe you, but I once heard you saying that you will be teaching until the day you die.
To put it simply,
I want to give you this book because it serves as a guide. Much like how you have guided me throughout my life. So Merry Christmas, Mr. Hirschl. I hope you enjoy the book
and have a wonderful vacation. Talk to you soon and see you in 2010. Love, Ken
Nhu
"Dear Richard Hirschl, We absolutely love Hirschl Ballet! The studio is professional, friendly and caring, with
a high caliber dance program. Our daughter thinks that Mr. Hirschl is the best teacher in the world!”
From the Smith Family, Victoria, Joshua, Julie and
Darren
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Richard and Laurie Hirschl,
"Dancing is a process, not a destination"... how true. Thank you so ,uch for creating
an open, comfortable atmosphere. I have enjoyed learning from you, and have confidence that the work you do will impact
others fo ryears to come. I am quiet and introverted, but please know that I think you guys are fantastic.
Warmly, Lydia Eng (Before moving out of country for work-related reasons)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Richard and Laurie,
"I want you to know how much I really appreciate this last ten years, and the contribution you
have made to my life, as well as the lives of many others. When I first came to the studio, dance was just a fun activity,
something to after school. But as the years have gone by, I have begun to realize what I was really getting from it: a real
education. An education in how to think, how to feel, and how to express those feelings. It is something I am very thankful
to have experienced. Both of you have been such a big part of my life for so long, I hope I can continue it even when I am
miles away. Thank you for all the education, love and support you have given. I will miss you so much, but I promise to come
back and visit!"
Best wishes for the years to come, Erin Fellows (Erin moved to San Francisco to pursue
a career in commercial art)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To all the teachers at the Hirschl Studio,
"I have enjoyed and learned something from every single lesson I’ve taken at
the studio– every one has been worthwhile."
Kate Gulewich (Samantha’s mother and adult student)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Hirschl,
"I wanted to take the time to say thank you. Both of you have always inspired me to dance with
all my heart and soul. I’ve enjoyed every class and I will never forget this wonderful studio. Thank you."
Sophie Oh (a note as she was leaving to go out of state to college)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Richard and Laurie,
"The Hirschl School of Dance Arts has given our daughter a sense of belonging. She began at a very young age and has grown
into a "company" dancer with the school. While we can't get her to clean her room, we can't get her to stop dancing, she even
dances in her head on the way to the Hirschl school! She has high respect for her teachers and classmates and they are her
extended family members. We also believe her disciplined dance regimen has contributed to her ability to receive high marks
in her academics as well. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hirschl for providing a place where our daughter lives out her dreams!"
Robert and Rhonda Rosenfeld
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Richard and Laurie Hirschl,
"I have many goals for myself. HSDA has helped me reach many, and set
new and higher goals. I’ve learned to respect myself, the art form, and the dance community."
Sarah Mann
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My Hero, Mr. Hirschl
M
y ballet teacher is my hero.
R
ead this poem and you’ll see why I picked him.
H
e makes learning fun and easy by translating the French
I
like him because he spends time with the
kids and he does the steps too.
R
espect is special at his school. His
S
unrise Ballet Theatre gives to the
C
ommunity. My hero is special to me because
H
e loves dance arts.
“Let’s Dance!” is special to me because
he makes it fun.
By Durandy McConnell
2004-05 PTA Reflections Program Entry
3rd Grade
Mrs. DiMaria / Mrs. Friedrichs class
