END OF AN ERA

March 31st, 2023, after 30 years of being in business, I said Good-Bye to the CR Spirits.

To the women who have supported me over the last 30 years, Thank You. To the women who have taught me lessons, Thank You. To the people who enjoy what we stand for, I appreciate you. To the parents that simply wanted their daughters to just have fun, Thank You for trusting me with them. And to the Community, our town of Cedar Rapids, I Thank You for the opportunities you gave me. You watched me grow as a young entrepreneur, to the woman I am today. And more importantly, I Thank God, for giving me the courage to believe in myself and start this dream with the gift he gave me.

~Tiffany Saari-Kuehl

In 30 years I have had the privilege of meeting 95 women. 95 beautiful women at different stages of their lives. Some were on the team briefly, some never left, some taught me hard lessons, some loved me more than I loved myself.

Looking through the years, going through my notes, I decided that Team #30, my last team, would have no auditions, just previous Spirit Girls. I picked women to represent Team #30 that were strong, dependable and love to perform. I picked women that showed growth and maturity. I am proud to say that Team #30, is my largest number ever, a team of 26 women ages 20-56. It is also the first team that has two women traveling and training from two different states. Marie lives in Chicago & Jaimie lives in Florida. Thank You girls for taking a chance to try a new form of learning.

I don’t think I could ever repay these women for the amount of time they have given me. Their belief in my dream, my style, my guidelines is the reason I am here today. I could have never done this alone. God knew who I needed in my life whether it be for dance, encouragement in life struggles or so I would never feel alone. It feels wonderful to be a part of something.

To the students over the years, the parents, the guardians…Thank You. Thank you for trusting me. I hope when you think of Spirits, you smile.

Why has the CR Spirits stayed in business for so long? It is a unique business, a different kind of dance studio, and in a town that likes to think they are big city, and yet they still have a small town mind set. Well, I think it is because I have done my very best to be true to my word and what I do. I have never changed my goal, my style, my desire. I have ran this business, this Professional Dance Team the way I have raised my daughters, with my heart. It was ran with determination, dreams, love, common sense, fairness, honesty and POSITIVITY! We learn from each other. How many times did you hear me say, “You may not agree, you may not like it, but you all heard the same way. You just will all take it a different way. That is what makes the world go round.”

So as I thank God for this life’s journey, tears come to my eyes as I fear the next step. I worry if I am making the right choice. The unknown of my oldest daughter Crystal, who always felt this would be hers someday but God has a different path for her. As I question myself, I do my best to put it in God’s hands. I have taken a gift from God and I did my best to inspire, to uplift, and to help others with their journey in life.

With that being said, what do I give Team #30 that would be a keepsake?

A medallion. A one of a kind medallion. Please wear this gift when you need a little lift up, when our Wednesdays nights are done. When you wonder where your confidence went, or the sex appeal that you think you lost. Wear it, and remember God has a plan.

I appreciate you. ~Tiffany