Dance Article
It was a cold and snowy evening…
It was a typical cold and snowy Minnesota evening in February of 1996.
Despite having almost slipped off the road entering the highway, I made it safely to Starburst Dance Academy, where my girlfriend Jennifer was preparing her senior competition line for the upcoming competition season (I believe they won a national title that year). I walked in and broke the first rule at Starburst - no street shoes in the studio. Then I broke the second rule by interrupting her class. I walked over to Jennifer and her students, who were huddled near the stereo. As Jen got over the shock of my snowy shoes all over the floor, I asked her dancers if it would be okay if I asked for Jen's hand in marriage. I know it is more customary to ask the girl's father than her students, but if you know Jen, it makes perfect sense. Simultaneously, I awkwardly struggled to get the ring out of my pocket and out of the ring box. Jen’s class approved, and then instructed me to get down on one knee at which point I proposed.
She said yes.
I never would have guessed that six years later Jennifer and I would be the owners of Starburst, with a thriving studio and a new location here in Maple Plain. Each February, on cold and snowy evenings reminiscent of that one back in 1996, I not only remember that special moment, but also look forward to what exciting moments the coming years will bring.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Jennifer and Jason Kapel own Starburst Dance Academy in Maple Plain, MN. Jason also designed their studio website.
