While we are grateful for so much that the dance community shares with us all year long, we wanted to ask our DDS models and dancers what they are especially thankful for this holiday season. Here is what they had to say!

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“This year, I am grateful for my health and the health of my little baby, coming at the end of April. I’m also thankful for the ability to dance into my pregnancy and the support I am receiving from friends, family and everyone at NYCB.” Ashley Bouder

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“There are so many things to be grateful for! I’m thankful for my health and to be surrounded by loving, supportive family & friends every day of the year. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from creative, insightful minds and for the ability to do what I love!” Juliet Doherty

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“Looking back at the year makes me feel very fortunate. Every class that I took, or rehearsal that I had, was a chance for me to push myself and become a better dancer. Just the opportunity to improve is something that I have to be thankful for. This fall I took the leap to the San Francisco ballet school, and I could not feel more fortunate. There’s so much to be taken from the teachers and even more to be absorbed from the people that I am surrounded by. Just to be able to say that I live and work with people who share the same passion as me is incredible. Above all I am beyond grateful for the support of family and friends in my life. Namely my parents who have always been there for me, through hours of classes, rehearsals, and additions! 2015 has given me so much to be thankful for and I look forward to what the rest of the year has to bring.” Leili Rackow

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“This year, I’m so thankful for the support of my family, friends, teachers and colleagues who have helped me to get where I am today.” Rachelle Di Stasio

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“I’m thankful for so many things this year. I’m thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way. We have recently moved to the city and my brother graduated and went off to college. There has been so much change but what never changes is the love my family has. I’m thankful for my family, new friends, old friends, my church and my teachers.” Chloe East 

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“I have so much to be thankful for! I’m especially thankful for my supportive family! To my mother for staying with me in LA as I pursue my acting career, my father for paying the bills that makes it possible to live out here, and my sister Merritt, for having the best clothes that I steal when she’s not looking! I’m incredibly thankful to the amazing staff at Discount Dance Supply for letting me model for them! Last but not least, I’m thankful for another year well spent with my chubby cat, Avada!” Kirby Johnson