09/04/2024
Greetings All,
Happy fall! We hope this letter finds you well, healthy and happy.
I know you heard the news from Jodi back in June about Jodi and I retiring our dance studio/studios- Mantia Sisters Dance Academy. After much reflection, I wanted to write this letter to all of you who have blessed our lives throughout the 33 years of Mantia Sisters Dance Academy.
First of all…THANK YOU! Whether you know it or not, every student that walked through the doors at Mantia Sisters made a significant difference in our lives and you were part of our history. You helped shape the women, Moms, Aunts and people we are today and we are so grateful.
Over 33 years ago, Jodi asked me if I wanted to open a dance studio with her and without hesitation, I said absolutely not. I was 21 years old (now, I’m 121 😊) and Jodi was 23. We were babies and had no idea how to run a business, how to teach children and how to deal with the everyday nuances of being business owners. Through much coaxing from Jodi and my parents, we opened our first studio in the fall of 1991.
Thirty-three years and thousands of students, siblings, parents, and grand-parents later, I’m proud of what we established together and the relationships that were formed between us and our students and the families of our students. We have made lifelong friends because of Mantia Sisters and it was very clear early on in our teaching career that Mantia Sisters Dance Academy was more than about dance. It was about love, friendship, fun, camaraderie, team building, respect and of course along the way- the art of DANCE!
When I think about the past 33 years, we’ve taught so many children and years later, their children and yup, years later……their children’s children! I love that so many families have become an extension of our family and how there are people that met at dance class and now are in each other’s wedding, they’re a God parent to their friend’s child, they vacation together. These are lifelong friendships and that makes us so happy.
You should know, all of you made Jodi and I more patience, understanding, open-minded, graceful, kind, loving and forgiving. Most importantly, we’re better human beings because of you. You made us laugh, more importantly, you made us smile. We had the best job in the world and going to work was not a job, but an honor and pleasure. We hope you learned half as much from us as we learned from you.
Jodi and I did not take retiring lightly. This has been a three-year process and it is with a warm and full heart that we tell you that we’re going to miss you and the relationships we fostered as a result of our studio. It’s time for another chapter to open in our lives, but we hope to meet you again along the way.
We’d like to thank our colleagues and friends from The Dance Complex (Kris &Nikki), Sheila Rosanio School of Dance (Sheila) and Rachel Ferrante School of Performing Arts (Rachel, Kaitlyn and Gwen), during a difficult time we were there for each other and their support and love was always present without judgment. Dance was our mutual interest, but hearts made us friends.
I would be remised if I didn’t mention Toni-ann. Toni-ann became like another sister to us and was with us every step of the way for 27 of our 33 years! Her loyalty, tenderness, persistence, kindness and work ethic are unmatched and there is no one who can do what she did for us. Toni-ann did it with ease and without reservation or complaints and always had a smile on her face.
Our sister Doreen and brother Jamie quietly supported us throughout this amazing endeavor. They never missed a recital and Doreen would always manage our backstage (probably the most difficult job) completing the 150 tasks, jobs and orders that were thrown at her by five different people within three hours. She never let you see her sweat.
Finally, without our parents Teddi and Jimmy, there truly is no Mantia Sisters, literally and figuratively. Beginning with the money they gave us in 1991 to open our first studio, to helping at the front door, to Miss Teddi dancing with the little babies during dance class, fixing and making costumes, to being the most constant positive role models in our lives. They have literally been our backbone, guidance and driving force through the good times and the challenging times. We owe everything to them!
To all students that have graced our stages, please remember how special you are and that at some point in your life, you made two young girls from Revere feel so happy, proud and loved!
Play often, give love, laugh a lot, be grateful, dream big and be happy!
Very Truly Yours,
D & Jodi
