“Hello! I hope this reaches all of your amazing people, so please share.

My name is Shannon, and my daughter, Camryn Blake, won the Senior title this weekend at DEA Orlando. This was our first experience at DEA, and I am sad that it will be our last, as she graduates next month.

I wanted to send some praise your way. I am sure you often get complaints, but I am definitely not here for that.

For those who may not know, Cam had a “blurp” on stage this weekend. She has NEVER done that in all her 12 years competing, but it happened. I fully expected that we would just have to figure out how to move on. You giving her the opportunity to get back on that stage was so HUGE.

The way you looked at her like a HUMAN and not a number completely blew me away and filled my momma heart.

I have to also brag on the other studios who were attending. They helped give her the courage and strength. I am a really loud cheering mom, but those people from other studios cheered her on with a standing ovation. I was in tears. I know they didn’t have to do that, but I saw them.

The climate you have created at DEA is special. Never doubt the awesomeness of what you are doing. I saw it with my own kid this weekend.

The Mr. Bill awards are so special. Cam was blessed to receive two of them. I videoed the words the male judge said to her at the evening awards—everything was so kind and elegant. He saw her as a HUMAN. I have rewatched it so many times since Saturday. It was incredibly meaningful.

She is so honored to have received your title and to have had such a successful weekend. My prayer is that she will always look back on this experience and remember how she inspired others to get back up when life knocks you down. I don’t know if she realizes the impact she made, but I know other dancers will remember her resilience.

I am so thankful for what you all have created and the love you share with kids all over. Not just this moment, but the classes, the competition—everything was a great experience.

Keep doing what you are doing and know how much you are loved and appreciated.”