“Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?”
-The Beatles
HELP. It’s just a little four-letter word, but it can mean so much and make such a difference! As the Beatles declare: It’s okay to ask for HELP.
In this crazy “Twilight Zone” COVID-19 period, everyone needs HELP. People out of work need HELP paying bills. Older people hunkered down at home need HELP getting food and medicine. Parents working from home need HELP keeping their children occupied. Kids studying virtually need HELP wading through tech issues. Businesses need HELP staying afloat. Everyone has been—and is still—in need of HELP.
Some have received HELP from government assistance. The majority, however, have been HELPED by one another. People HELPING people. Friends going to the grocery store asking, “Can I pick something up for you?” Others offering “Can Lindsey come over and play with Meredith while you have your conference call?” Neighbors saying, “Shall we form a pod so our kids can do virtual work together?” I’m sure you’ve all received HELP from others. I’m sure you have given HELP to others. It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?
Most businesses have had a tough time too, especially small businesses. Many have had to close their doors permanently, and at SMSD, we’ve been fortunate that our doors are still open! The PPP loan has allowed us to keep all our employees on payroll, for which we are so grateful, but our main HELP has come from you, our families and students! You have no idea how grateful we are you’ve stuck it out with us! We know virtual dancing works, but it’s not like being in the studio. Just to think of all the dancers (young and old) who’ve continued to learn through a screen is just magical! Thank you so much for all the HELP you’ve given us by remaining with us!
At the same time, we hope we’ve been of HELP to you. That our virtual classes (and now in-studio) have lifted your spirits and provided a fun activity to break up the day for you or your child.
Now we need to ask you for even more HELP. Our enrollment is down considerably, and we desperately need to increase our numbers. How can you HELP? By being an advocate for SMSD! Tell your friends about us, talk us up to people who don’t know us. Spread the word about what a great place this is, with an excellent facility and quality teachers and staff who have the desire and commitment to nurture and train. Invite a friend to look at our website. Tell them about our wonderful recitals with gorgeous costumes (which may look different this year…). Talk about the friends your child has made in dance class. There is a lot of good stuff to share about SMSD!
Your HELP will be greatly appreciated—and remember, for every enrollee who names you as a referral, you will receive a $50 credit towards your tuition! This time will pass. We’ll get through this together. I encourage you to reach out and offer HELP. Reach out and ask for HELP. To quote the Beatles:
“Help! I need somebody…. Help! Not just anybody”
We need you! Keep safe, keep well, and keep on dancing! God bless each and every one of you!
-Judy McPhail
