Blog 48 Epilogue

 

On July 10, the students of La Bayadere received an unexpected and abrupt email from Lyda. We were stunned. 

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Dear students and parents,

 

From August on, I will no longer be working at La Bayadère. The board of the Almere Foundation for Dance Art has not been able to find a successor for me, which means that the lessons will no longer be available from September.

 

It has been a tough decision for me emotionally. I started La Bayadère 27 years ago and have always put my heart and soul into it. To end like this is not how I would like it to be, but after exploring all the possibilities, continuing is no longer an option.

 

I want to thank everyone very much for all the wonderful years together. The best thing about teaching is to see how students develop, not only in the field of ballet but also as human beings. I have watched you all grow, and you can be proud of what you have personally achieved.

 

In Almere, I know of no teacher who teaches the way I do. But feel free to do a trial lesson anywhere. You may be able to find someone you want to continue with ballet lessons.

 

If you prefer to be taught by me, that will remain possible. I want to continue teaching in Utrecht. Are you interested in the lessons in Utrecht? Send an email back before August 1. Then you will receive more information about this.

 

I wish everyone the very best and hope to see you again, is it not in Utrecht than anywhere else. Bye!

 

With kind regards,

Lyda

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I wrote to her:

 

Dear Lyda,

I find this shocking and will miss Bayadere terribly. 

But I understand this must have been very difficult for you to decide.

 

With loving kindness,

Bert

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How shocking that this real talented and dedicated woman had to decide to quit.

Was it the impact of Corona, no lessons, no income, was it the decline in students?

 

I decided to wait and stop for the moment with my ballet aspirations.

Utrecht is no option for me right now. But maybe soon things can change.

For now, this is the end of La Bayadere and my ballet lessons.