"Blue Springs Ballet was a second home to me. While I was there. I gained such amazing friendships and a second mother, Melissa Morris. She truly cares about each and every one of her students, and teaches strong work ethic and dedication. Her training at Blue Springs Ballet introduced me to the entire realm of the ballet ; in not only ballet technique, but also the ways ballet affects the world, the multiple aspects of ballet, the passion behind dance and how dance embodies music and the soul. Her training helped me gat accepted into the Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre Summer Dance Programs and so many more that I don't have time to list. I used her training and expertise to help me get accepted into several university dance programs, including the University of Utah where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in ballet with an emphasis in teaching. She inspired me to become a ballet teacher, which I am currently. Her training also gave me the solid technique and artistry to help me have a professional performance career with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and currently, with Contemporary Ballet Dallas. Her care and connection with her students made me feel capable of concurring and pursuing my dreams head on. Blue Springs Ballet is truly an amazing place to learn, to get fantastic ballet technique training, and to form lasting relationships. I highly recommend Blue Springs Ballet."
-Rachel Oberg (Stephenson )- former student age 3 - 18 and Blue Springs Ballet Company member.
“Melissa, You have been a huge influence on my life. Thank you so much for everything you have taught me. I know that I will be so much better off at Stephens having had you as a teacher. Thank you for believing in me and for all the wonderful opportunities. You have helped me become who I am today.”
-Meghann Fanara-
“Thank you so much to all of you for your work with Celia and all the girls. She loves ballet, and you are all such an encouragement to her.”
-Natalie Allen ( mother of Celia and little sister Lydia)
"As I’m finishing my last year at Blue Springs Ballet, I’m realizing how hard it actually is to let it go. The studio has been a second home to me ever since I was three years old when the girls became my sisters and Melissa became my second mother. Over the years I got the opportunity to become a rose, a jester, Little Miss Muffet, all the way to Sugar Plum Fairy. Every scrunched face that followed a mess up, every smile that followed a perfect turn and every performance that followed months of hard work, is what I will always remember and cherish. As I progress into the future, I will be attending MU and studying Special Education while continuing ballet at Stephens College. I will miss everyone and everything at Blue Springs Ballet. I love all of you.
-Jill Hines-
“The moms spend a lot of time agreeing that ballet has been a powerful force in the shaping of their girls. The level of commitment and discipline, the high standards, and shared values; the love of music, art, and French; this consistency in a changing world; and above all the friendships, the fun, the stage fright, and the laughter--have all worked to point our girls to a beautiful performance not only on stage at the Civic Center, but on the stage of their lives. Our studio’s history tells us these girls are going places-- in the world of dance and in the dance of the world.”
-Dorothy Arnett ( Mom of company dancer Hadley Arnett)
“Melissa, I’ve enjoyed having you as my second mother for the past 15 years. Thank you for giving me a home away from home and a wonderful family. I’m going to miss everyone so much and I will come back to visit as much as I can. Thanks for everything from my first class , to my first recital, to the first pair of pointe shoes, to our last goodbye. Thank you!
-Janell Webb-