Testimonials
Arts Educators
I am a former music and theater teacher at Forevermore Dance and Theater Arts. Of all of the arts schools I have been part of as a teacher and a student, Forevermore stands out as one of the few that is truly committed to community. Forevermore values it's role within the larger Belmont-Cragin neighborhood community as a space for students to grow and flourish creatively, and Forevermore has worked hard to build a strong sense of community within the school itself. This sense of community is a result of many years of diligent thoughtful work by Ms. Kerrie. Ms. Kerrie is not simply the head of school and business owner at Forevermore, she is a warm, familiar face to every student because she works hard to really know the families at forevermore. She has built a diverse breadth of programs which will allow students to grow through many years of classes at Forevermore, as well as multi-age performances and programs so that the younger students are inspired and motivated by watching older students, and older students take responsibility for being role models and teachers for younger students. There are many arts schools that breed a space for competition rather than a space for communal creative growth. When students see the arts as a space for competition, they improve in a singular art form with an individualistic mindset. In contrast, students who are see the arts as a space of creative community build a true sense of self-worth through the support of their peers, expand their creativity beyond a single art form, and are grow to consider what role their skills and ideas can play in supporting this community. The students raised in the Forevermore community are the kinds of students who will creatively solve the problems of our post-pandemic world. Chicago needs Forevermore to continue to grow and thrive in order that those students might become who we will need them to be.
Arts Educator- Olivia Doig Skaff
Forevermore Dance and Theatre Arts is more than just a place for children to learn the art of acting, singing, and dance. It is a safe space where children can believe in themselves, where life lessons are learned, where friendships are developed, and where they can step outside of their comfort zone. The culture that this studio creates for its families is hard to find nowadays. It is a tight-knit community of people who support and genuinely care for each other. I taught at Forevermore for 3 years before having to move out of state, and I miss it every day! Kerrie provides her staff with so much knowledge and opportunity to encourage growth and development. This was a place that ideas were openly expressed and where learning from one another was encouraged.
It is extremely difficult to see Forevermore in such a financial state. Please consider helping this studio, this home to so many children, stay open. Help them to continue to provide a positive outlet to the Chicagoland area. Help keep the place “Where art has heart” alive.
Arts Educator-Alyssa Thomas-St. Joseph
This institution has provided compassionate support to hundreds of children who are passionate about dance. This is an art hub for budding young artists who want to experience quality training while being surrounded by caring individuals. Forevermore is a place where students, and faculty become a community, and is an example of what the positive things the arts can do in a neighborhood.
Arts Educator- Tashara Gavin-Moorehead
Alumni
When I was a curious 11-year-old I took my first ballet class at Forevermore Dance Studio with Ms. Kerrie. To this day I remember it like it was yesterday. At the time, I didn’t realize how much a place could impact my life. Spending 7 years of my childhood/adolescence at this neighborhood dance studio I considered it my second home. Over the years at Forevermore I was a student, a teacher’s aide, a member of the performance company, a camp counselor, and a front desk receptionist. Forevermore was such an essential part of my life growing up. With the support of Ms. Kerrie I went on and danced at The Chicago High School for the Arts. During my 4 years in High School I attended prestigious summer dance programs including: Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Boston Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre New York. The summer of 2015 I was on scholarship at Lou Conte Dance Studio here in Chicago. Forevermore seeded my artistic path, but more importantly it taught me discipline, responsibility, passion, imagination, drive, the importance of a community, team work, and inspiration. Although I no longer have a passion for dance Ms. Kerrie sparked another fire in me. I’ll never forget the love Ms. Kerrie has for not only the arts but for teaching children. She has an extraordinary connection with the children she teaches. She is so compassionate, inclusive, and warm-hearted. I always admired her passion and excitement. Ms. Kerrie inspired me to become a teacher. I want to inspire children the way she inspired me. I’m now 23 years old and a graduate from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I one day hope to be half the teacher/mentor Ms. Kerrie was to me. The performing arts are hurting right now during this unprecedented time, and it worries me for children and future generations. Forevermore was such a vital piece to my childhood, and it would be devastating to the community for it to come to an end. Because I know there is another curious 11-year-old girl wanting to walk through those doors, and enter a place of true inspiration that she’ll, too, carry for the rest of her life’s journey.
Alumni- Jill Nielsen
My name is Angelina Casas and I was a dancer at Forevermore for almost all of my childhood. I could not stress enough how much Forevermore meant and still means to me. It is a place for kids to escape their everyday stresses and let them all go through dance. Not only is there excellent technique taught at Forevermore but life lessons too. Their message and passion goes beyond dance, I learned how to overcome anything thrown my way and how to do so with elegance and compassion. Forevermore truly changed my life and it is the perfect atmosphere for kids to grow, not only as dancers but people. I remember always hearing “it’s more than just dance” which at Forevermore it really is! There is such an out pour of love and support there and always a need to give back. I can recall countless occasions where we would dance for multiple charities, elderly homes, children hospitals, and so much more! I was always so ready and excited to be there, dancing. I knew that it was somewhere I could be myself and there was never any judgment. That is really important as a child, to have a place so special while growing up. After Forevermore I went on to get accepted and attend Chicago Highschool for the Arts as a dance major, during that time I was offered a place at Ballet Hispanico in New York as a pre-professional trainee. I did decide to continue my schooling at highschool in Chicago but then would get accepted in Western Michigan University’s dance program. ALL of this would not have been possible without Forevermore. I owe it all to my teachers there that worked and trained with me. Forevermore is a place where everyone is accepted and shown the true meaning of what is takes to be a dancer. This is a place that I wish everyone could experience in their lives. Our community needs a place like Forevermore, I truly don’t know where I would be without them.
Alumni- Angelina Casas
Forevermore is more than just another dance studio. Forevermore gives its neighborhood life and enriches the minds, hearts, and spirits of the families involved. Without Forevermore I would not be the same person. I enrolled at Forevermore when I was 11 years old. I didn't know at the time but this was life changing. This neighborhood studio fostered my love of dance and gave me strength to pursue a career in dance. Having such a caring and educational studio in the middle of a Chicago neighborhood is vital for future students like I once was. It allows any child to prosper in their life and reach for goals with out having to travel downtown. Even though the studio teaches arts, it also teaches children life skills that they will hold onto forever. This studio is home that accepts everyone. I will never forget my experience at Forevermore. Any person who walks through that front door will leave with expanded boundaries of life.
Alumni- Rylee McCormick
My name is Cithlaly Dudic, former student at Forevermore Dance & Theater Arts studio for over 10 years. I am now 28, a college graduate, and full-time employee. It goes without saying that this pandemic has affected each of us, personally and professionally. When the shutdown orders were put in place, it directly affected the studio with a sharp decline of enrollment at Forevermore. This is something that not only troubles me personally, but will affect the neighborhoods, children, and parents of the Chicagoland area. In a time of crisis, we need to remain hopeful; we need to focus on keeping our small businesses alive. Kerrie, the owner of the studio, has worked tirelessly for her students to foster an environment of learning, growth, responsibility, and personal fulfillment. Without Forevermore, I wouldn’t have learned what it meant to be a part of a team, to work hard and accomplish milestone achievements in my life. Without financial assistance to keep this studio alive, we will lose a treasure and a community where everyone of all ages are welcomed to discover their own talents and strengths. Students turn into instructors, in turn making them great leaders which was my personal experience. I was a student while simultaneously assisting to lead multiple dance classes to teach them what I had learned. This unique experience is open to all students, which helps our children and teenagers understand leadership and hard work. It has instilled in me a lifetime of lessons that I continue to draw from today even if the work I do is much different, the same lessons still apply. I urge you to please assist the Forevermore dance and theater arts studio financially, so that Kerrie, her staff and friends can continue to bring light to children, teenagers and adults. Without this outlet, I woefully wonder where our children will go to find this type of fulfillment.
Alumni- Cithlaly Dudic
I first met Kerrie when I was a student at Columbia College Chicago and studying Advertising Art. Several of my friends had taken classes at Forevermore and I knew a few girls I used to dance with that became teachers at Forevermore. I felt inspired to reach out to Kerrie regarding help with marketing material and a new logo design. This was during a time in my career studies where this was my first official marketing and design project. Not only did it help build my credibility as a designer but it also gave me the confidence to help build something that so many young adults, kids and even adults can be proud to be a part of – a place where they feel happiest doing what they love. I was always looking for new projects that I was passionate about and could help give back to the community in some way. Kerrie immediately brought me in with open arms and not only wanted to give me the opportunity to help me grow, but combine forces with our creativity and put our passion towards the success of Forevermore.
I was always amazed at how wonderful and supportive Kerrie was to her students and her staff. It truly is a family at Forevermore. She put so much of her passion into each and every one of her students, getting to know them individually and wanting the absolute best for them. It was always immediately evident how much she cared for all of her students and she poured all of her heart, soul and energy into creating this amazing space for young dancers. She helped me by allowing me to continue taking dance classes as well – something I had missed very much since I stopped dancing after high school.
The amount of happiness I experienced working with Kerrie and being a part of the Forevermore family is something I will always cherish. I am so thankful for her support and guidance to help me in my early career and for allowing me to be a part of something where I have always held a passion. Every time I would drive by the studio I was so happy to see so many young girls doing what they love, a feeling I can remember, and seeing the Forevermore logo I helped create displayed on the window-front; A reminder that it will "forevermore" be a part of me.
Alumni- Kristen Corna
Parents
Every small business has been negatively impacted by this detrimental Coronavirus pandemic. We hear about the small businesses needing extra support in order to stay open including: restaurants, hair salons, coffee shops, dry cleaners, etc. I am disheartened to realize that a very important institution of art is suffering and not mentioned in mainstream media. The performing arts as a whole are struggling during this hard time. Children are impacted by this virus, in the loss of interaction and socialization, vital to their growth and development. When I think back to “pre-COVID times”, and all the activities my children were fortunate to participate in, I have to believe that, other than school, dancing at a neighborhood dance studio inspired my daughter to become the strong, confident, social, adult she is. Children need to have a safe environment outside of school and their home to develop. Dance is a safe and fun outlet to allow them to express themselves through movement, give them more structure and discipline, and to help them become productive members of a community. When my daughter, Jill, was eleven years old, I came across a dance studio in our neighborhood. I stopped in and met the wonderful staff that I felt would be a great fit for my daughter and her dance education. I brought my little girl to a trial class at Forevermore. When Jill came out of the studio that day, she had a big smile on her face and said she loved it! This was the start of her dance career. Forevermore was an essential part of our little girls childhood and helped us to mold her into the wonderful adult she is. While dancing at Forevermore, the performance company has performed at nursing homes, schools, park districts, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Navy Pier, and even at The Shedd Aquarium. They interacted and brought such joy to people of all ages. I can’t praise and thank the staff at Forevermore, especially Ms. Kerrie, enough for helping us to mold our beautiful little girl into the respectful, disciplined, caring, and well-rounded woman that she is today. It is because of the relationship Jill has with Ms. Kerrie and the staff at Forevermore that she became a teacher to positively impact children as she has been positively impacted by Forevermore. We are so very proud of our Jill. It is sad that families are suffering financially now, and the opportunity of a scholarship for the arts can help a child become a well-rounded part of the community.
Thank you Ms. Kerrie and Forevermore staff!
Forevermore Parent Alumni- Margaret Nielsen
I am a parent of 3 children 2 daughters and a son. My daughters have been attending Forevermore Dance since they were ages 3 and 4. Year after year they have enjoyed so many classes from Ballet to Jazz to Musical Theatre. My son who was always more on the shyer side decided to do the summer musical theatre camp one year and loved it so much went on to do 2 more shows and just loved it, not only did it show him teamwork it also broke him away from some of the fears of shyness. He now is taking Guitar over Zoom and is really loving that as well. Forevermore isn't just teaching acting or dancing, it has also taught my children discipline, respect and how to develop well in their craft. It has taught them teamwork and many other things. This will be my oldest daughters last year at Forevermore since she will be a senior in high school. She is applying to several colleges in New York City to obtain a BFA degree in Musical Theatre as she wants a career on Broadway. As we say over and over again it takes a village to raise a child and Forevermore has had a real hand in helping me raise mine. Forevermore brings so much to the children they educate.
Forevermore Parent-Stefanie Colon
Forevermore has given my daughter a love of dance that started at age 3. She was so shy to start. Ms. Kerrie had met her before that first class and saw that so she personally checked in on her the day she did start, which was the most thoughtful gesture. She ended up doing great at with the encouragement of some awesome teachers! Over her years Forevermore became her second home and family. She has made more Incredible and unforgettable memories than I can count. And besides that.... my daughter became a Beautiful dancer. Forevermore is So welcoming. So caring. So comforting. What Forevermore has given us, we will be Forever grateful for more than words can ever say. ❤️
Forevermore Parent-Katie Brown
I don't know where to start on the impact Forevermore has had on my family's life. I have 3 children 16-25 and they were all a part of Forevermore at one point. In addition to my children, my husband was involved in performances and I was always involved in some way.
The person that was impacted the most by Ms. Kerrie is my middle child, Rylee. She is now 23. Ms. Kerrie has been in her life since she was 8 years old. Rylee was with her as a student, as an aide, as a featured dancer, and now I believe as a friend. Ms. Kerrie has been a mentor to Rylee and is part of our family forever. Rylee went on to dance and earn a degree in ballet at the University of South Carolina. She has danced in Australia and Paris... and I attribute her fearlessness to the support that Ms. Kerrie has always given her.
Ms. Kerrie and Forevermore encouraged my husband and son to get out of their comfort zones and perform in front of 1000's of people over the years. My youngest is now pursuing her dream of a career in film and stage. I attribute her love for this to her beginnings in acting and dancing at Forevermore.
For me, Ms. Kerrie will always have a place in my heart because she opened her world to my entire family. Her impact is visible every day in our lives. Forevermore needs to survive this uncertainty. The arts are where we can escape for just a little while and give us an outlet to express our feelings, both positive and negative. Forevermore makes this world better and will "forevermore" be in our hearts.
Forevermore Parent Alumni - Michelle Esfahani
Students
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