It’s that time of year again, the CR Spirits Professional Dance Teams Year End Party. Hmmmm what to do? What have we not done.
Every year the Spirits Year End Party gets more emotional, is it because I’m older or is it because I’m older and realize what a blessing this is? Maybe it’s because the team of women have changed over the years of what they think they get out of it? When they started on the team it was just to dance but then you realize the memories you are making last a lifetime, the friendships you’ve created are incredible and then the blessing of the confidence it gives you belonging to something positive makes life even sweeter. Yes, it’s been work, hard work but it’s been such a passion of mine it has never felt like work. I’m blessed.
Thank you to the all of the women over the years that have impacted my life. That includes the studio of little girls. The parents that were patient as they waited a year to get their daughter into the program. Through good experiences, exciting moments, sad, hurtful and frustrating times it has all helped create who I am as a person today, thank you.
With that being said, YES! There will be another Professional Team…Team #26!
Wednesday, October 3rd @ 6:30pm will be auditions!
To my 25 Year Team…I love you. I’m at a loss for words my beautiful Spirit Family. Yes, lots of you will not return because life changes and goals do too but that is what life is about. It’s a ride and you have to keep it moving. Love you all dearly. Paulette Petersen, Deatra Waller, Jes Harrington, Kaitlin Johnston Boyse, Crystal Marie Barnett, Rachel Bowser, Katelynn Cole, Amanda Matias, Ashleigh Kruger, Amy Thomas, Carla DeBoer & Mariah Klein…. Cheers to our new journey 
Tiffany
Paulette Petersen (21 Years on Team)
I would never have imagined on the day I received a phone call from Tiffany in 1993 that this idea she had to start a Professional Dance Team would blossom into an amazing 25 year journey that I was able to be a part of for 21 years. Twenty-one years as a CR Spirit…where has the time gone?
A chance to keep dancing…heck yeah I was totally in! But it sure turned into something far beyond dancing. I met some wonderful women who I now consider close friends and Tiffany and I became the dearest of friends…lifetime friends. What a gift! The CR Spirits kept me young, kept me active in the community, kept me volunteering, and kept me in shape.
I’ve learned a tremendous amount during my years with the Spirits that I have carried into my professional career; leadership, compassion, empathy, giving, teamwork and positivity.
Most of all, it’s been FUN! Fun to keep dancing…with my friends…traveling to some incredible destinations…having unbelievable experiences…and making memories.
This year I will join those Legendary Spirits who were once on the CR Spirits Professional Dance team as it is time for me to pass the torch to others who are eager and excited to dance.
Thanks to everyone who I’ve had the pleasure dancing next to and to Tiffany who has made it all possible…I am forever grateful!
Deatra Waller (21 years on Team)
This year is the 25 year anniversary for CR Spirits. At our year end party we were asked to tell one of our best memories. I told the story of the time Tiffany made me dance in a barn. Lol Today I’d like to tell a new memory. Last night at Market After Dark they were having a street party. I was doing the Wobble when the DJ pointed at me and said “CR Spirits in the house!” It was at that moment that I realized that I’m a representation of CR Spirits. Although this is my last year, I’m very proud to say that I’ve been a part of the Spirits family for 21 years!!! Thank you Tiffany for all you do and thank you to all the team members I’ve had over the years. It’s been AMAZING!!!! Love you all
Jes Harrington (15.5 Years on Team)
There really are no words to explain how much C.R. Spirits has impacted my life over the years. We were all asked to share a memory at our year end party . I found myself struggling to find just one moment or one memory in the almost 16 years I have been on this team.
I was eventually able to share thru tears what I wanted to say to the Ladies on the team who have been such a HUGE part of my life. For seeing the good in bad situations and to finally open up about mental health issues that we all face from time to time. To thank them for always putting up with me:) Over the past 16 years I have met some INCREDIBLE people who have changed my life more than they will ever know.
Most importantly, Tiffany Saari-Kuehl.
I spent WEEKS trying to find the right words after Tiff and I rode to Manchester together. I kept thinking to myself…She has no idea how much her words impact the people around her. I would start to write but I couldn’t organize my thoughts long enough to make sure it was perfect. FINALLY the day before Crystals last surgery, the words came. After 16 years I was finally able to take everything I have learned from her and try to encourage her the same way she has always encouraged me.
I hope when you read the letter you see how truly important she is. Not just me, but to everyone who has had the pleasure of being a part of the CR Spirits Family over the years.
Kaitlin Boyse (14 Years on Team)
Tiffany and Team,
I cannot thank you enough for the 14 wonderful years you’ve given me. I can’t believe I started in 2004… the fall after I graduated high school. 18 years old. I had just started college and was just getting to know adult life. At the time, it was such a crazy, spontaneous decision to join this team. Well it has turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. It has made me the woman I am today.
CR Spirits has seen me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in my life. It’s seen bad college grades, party days, new jobs, my engagement, my wedding, coaching for 8 yrs, several travels, grad school, marriage problems, work promotions, pregnancy, a new baby, and most importantly introduced me to my best friends. Many of the best things in my life came from this team. It taught me confidence, poise, determination, teamwork, and to always, no matter what, stand up for what you believe in. CR Spirits – well, actually Tiffany – has touched more girls’ lives in 25 years, than some of us will ever even meet in that time. I aspire to be half the woman she is. She will forever be my role model.
The only thing that has been more consistent in my life than this team, is my relationship with Lee. And he only has Spirits beat by a few months. How many people can say their best friends are not from high school, college or work… my best friends are on this team. And Lee’s best friends as well! So Tiffany, and team, please, let’s vow to stay in touch, no matter how life shifts our paths.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about life… it’s that you shouldn’t be sad about closing this chapter of your life. Though you don’t believe it at the time, your next chapter always turns out to be better than the last. I love you girls. Thank you for providing such a positive influence on my life for so many years!
As I say goodbye to this team’s late night practices, inspirational talks, and endless laughs, I feel like I’m losing a loved one; a part of me. But I’m not. Spirits will remain a part of me, just as it has for every other girl that’s walk through these studio doors. I will leave tonight honored to have been part of the Spirit Family, where the best years of my life were had.
Crystal Barnett (8 Years on Team)
I just don’t want to die. My mom is celebrating 25 Years with the CR Spirits and she is thinking of a change. It makes me so sad to think that CR Spirits could end and then I think to myself, have I enjoyed every moment. Have I lived every moment to its fullest with the CR Spirits and in life. I just don’t want to die. I just don’t want to die I tell Gage and I tell my mom and mom, I’m sorry I cried, I’m sorry I made you cry but it was a good breakfast otherwise. I’m sure it hurts them hearing it but it hurts me thinking it. The CR Spirits have been my life and it has made me who I am today. My mom and dad raised three strong daughters and have surrounded us with a team of beautiful strong women and that has made me want to grow up and be just like them.
So as I share my experience I take you back to my very first memory when I realized my mom was famous in the Cedar Rapids area. I was about 6 years old and we were dancing to “Hakuna Matata” from Lion King. I had a horrible haircut (thanks mom), Shannon Debner was my teacher and we were practicing in the studio which happen to be located inside of Twisters Gymnastics. And as I came up from the ground in the dance routine I looked around and thought to myself this is my moms. My mom is in charge of this whole place. How cool is that. Everyone wanted to be around my mom. My sisters and I have lived and breathed her passion with the CR Spirits. Even dad who has a hard time showing how proud he is of mom, began to appreciate more when he saw us girls find the same enjoyment mom did. When he saw how it changed us girls into strong confident kind people. Thank you CR Spirits, thank you mom.
So as for the change we have adult classes in September that are filling up, my mom wants a community of confident women so email me for more info studio@crspirits.com And as for the CR Spirits Professional Dance Team??? Auditions are Wednesday, October 3rd @ 6:30pm!!!!!!! Thank you Mom!!!!!
Rachel Bowser (12.5 Years on Team)
Happiness is…getting to be a part of a team that teaches you so much more than dance. As a part of our year end party this year, we were asked to talk about our favorite memory from being on the team. Um…….where to begin. I decided to talk about the moment on the team that changed me as a dancer. Changed me as a woman. Changed me as a person.
My second year on the team, we were learning a routine to Bootylicious. Side note: one of my favorite routines. Ever. Anyway, there was a certain move that was hard to do so Paulette, who was the coach at the time, had each one of us do the move individually. On my turn, Paulette told me how it was. It was not good 
. On my drive back to UNI after practice, I was crying thinking that I was never going to measure up. However, that’s when I decided I was going to be Paulette. Or at least fake it until I got to her level. I wanted to be confident. I wanted to be sexy. I wanted to be the woman that every woman wanted to be.
As hard as those first years were on the team, they helped mold me into who I am today. They showed me who I wanted to be. They pushed me to be the best version of me.
We all joined this team because we LOVE to dance. We all stayed because we LOVE the family.
Every woman that has walked into that room and became a part of this team has taught me something. Thank you all for that. Thank you for being a part of my story. This team is so much more than a dance team. We will walk away with memories and stories that we will share with our friends and families for the rest of our lives. So many lessons learned, so many friends made.
Thank you for the opportunity, Tiffany Saari-Kuehl. I hope I have made you proud. #crspirits #25years
Katelynn Cole (6 Years on Team)
Last night was bitter sweet…it was fun getting together to reflect on the year we had, talk about the memories we’ve made and the friends we’ve met that have became family. But yet sad to have the year end and knowing that the group in the room would not be dancing together again. There were some tears but even more laughter. I will always hold this team, the women I’ve met and the memories I’ve made near and dear to my heart.
We were asked to share a favorite memory last night. Mine was my first trip to Las Vegas…
My first trip to Las Vegas was my favorite travel, Brittany, Amanda and I were all ‘Vegas Virgins’ so we wanted to do and see as much as we could…we were basic tourists 🤷🏼♀️ We spent all day walking from one end of the strip to the other and on both sides. We took pictures, had many laughs and saw lots of interesting things. The team then met up to perform at Toby Keith’s bar which was incredible. Then us 3 decided to go out again to see the strip at night. There weren’t very many people out walking around at 2am but we didn’t care. The strip looks amazing at night. As we’re walking, we turn a corner to go up some stairs and all of a sudden this man just casually walks out of the bushes in front of us. Us girls look at each other and at the same time turned around and started walking the way we came. Many laughs were had that night.
And That’s the night I gained 2 new sisters, Spirit Sisters 💕 I’m so thankful for Tiffany and the CR Spirits that brought us together!
Amanda Matias (6 Years on Team)
My favorite Spirit Memory:
My 2nd trip to Vegas; May 2017!
It was our last night and we decided to go out dancing after seeing Britney Spears…. after closing down The Carnival Court we then walked the strip, got subway and just talked ALL night!!! Crystal Marie Barnett Crystal Lindley Tiffany Saari-Kuehl
😂❤️ we didn’t want our Vegas trip to end. So we decided to stay up for 24+ hours …… Feeling like zombies as we made our way to the airport the next morning we were able to take a nap on the plane ride home ✈️ 💤
I will always remember that night, all the dancing, many laughs, the memories we made with each other.
The CR Spirits Family 💙❤️
Ashleigh Kruger (10 Years on Team)
Last night was the end of the year party for the CR Spirits. And we were asked to share a favorite memory. And when I was thinking about it, there really were too many to count. Many parades, Kid Rock, Americas got Talent, Vegas and many many more. But I will never forget the first time I walked into tryouts, 18 yrs old, my mom suggested I tryout and I was so shy I didnt want too. Seeing all these beautiful women dancing with such confidence, I knew I wanted to be just like them. This team has made me Into the women I am today. Teaching me to be confident in who I am, to making the best of friends anyone could ask for. I am truly blessed to have been a part of such an amazing group. I thank you Tiffany Saari-Kuehl for being you. You have uplifted and touched so many of our lives. You are so empowering and I will truly miss that most. I am so happy for this new journey of yours and am so happy to have been with the Spirits for 10 yrs!!! I love you all!!! 💙❤ And thank you Jean Hunt for pushing me and always being my #1 cheerleader!!! Love you ❤
Amy Thomas (10 Years on Team)
We were asked last Wednesday at our CR Spirits year end party to talk about one of our favorite memories with the CR Spirits. Well I have a ton of memories with the CR Spirits. This year was my 10th year on the professional dance team! I also taught the juniors and littles during those years. One of my very favorite trips we ever took was to Dick Clark’s New Year’s eve bash in California! I got very close to Deatra on that trip. I remember eating breakfast with her and the conversation. Let’s just say… We will never bring up age ever again!
I also remember Tiffany saying to Fergie that we dance to her music!!!!! 
Fergie just looked at her! We got told by Natasha Bedingfield that we were the best dancers there! 
It was awesome!
What I love most about this team is how they are ways there for me. They were there when I needed them the most. Especially when my sister, Angie died. They bought me this beautiful angel necklace and were absolutely amazing friends to me during that time. Thank you girls! 
Another time I needed these girls was when I was in an abusive relationship and my ribs were broken and my lung was collapsed. If I didn’t have these girls… I don’t know where I would be. I remember Cassidy saying to me Adam just did that because he was drunk?! And that’s when I knew I could never go back. She would think that this behavior is OK. So I didn’t go back!!! I met my husband seven months after all that! I got married three years ago in August!!!! All six of my bridesmaids were CR Spirits. They all danced with me for years. These girls that dance here are all amazing! They are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Each of you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you all for being a part of my journey and letting me be a part of yours for 10 years. I love you girls!
Carla DeBoer (8 Years on Team)
Every CR Spirits season concludes with a gift exchange party that never ever fails to be a roller coaster of emotions. This year, the CR Spirits Professional Dance team spent their last Wednesday night at Lindale to celebrate the end of its 25th year, and it certainly was my most emotional. While I have too many memories to share, we were asked to select and share one that stands out. I chose to highlight how a couple weeks before I got married (9 years ago now 
), I shared nonchalantly that I wasn’t having a bachelorette party because it wasn’t really my kind of thing and, at that age, I didn’t care for formalities. My team wouldn’t stand for that knowing I’d regret that later in life and threw me the classiest multi-course dinner party at one of the nicest venues and fanciest restaurants in CR, complete with personalized invites to match my wedding decor, outfit theme, and games that made me laugh until my sides hurt. These women helped shape me into who I am today. I am lucky enough to have danced and cheered since middle school with two of my oldest and dearest childhood friends, and to have had role models like these three famous Silver Bullet dancers, who I remember watching in awe since I was a young girl! I will never ever forget a single moment and am truly honored to be able to say I was a part of this team for 8 of those wonderful years! Grateful for every moment! I love you all!! #crspirits #25thanniversaryteam #spiritfamily
Mariah Klein (1 Year on Team)
Ever had the chance to do something you love and everyone around you only is positive and caring?? well I can say i have! Last night our 25 year team had our last practice ever! it’s hard knowing i won’t be seeing them every week and dancing my heart out every week, hearing all the funny stories and straight forward advice, and best yet just being on the team and walking into that room! The CR Spirits have impacted me in every way possible. i started when i was 4 years old as in itty bitty and made my way through all the ages you could do, and my goal since i was 4 was to be just like them. just like those beautiful women on the professional team! cause WOW they can dance!!! My family and I have been with the Spirits for 13 years all together, but this past year when I made my dream come true and busted through my anxiety of trying out for the team, It was the BEST year!! I don’t think Tiffany thanks herself enough for all she has done and said and realized her words of advice are so strong and so bold it sticks in your mind and plays over and over when times get hard. Every practice if we didn’t talk before, we did after and it was inspiring and full of laughter every time! I will definitely miss this team, and i couldn’t of been more happy that I was able to be apart of. I wanna thank each and every one of you because it was an awesome first year and i’ve become such a better person on the inside and out, I now have a different look on life, a different aspect of things i may never conquer, and things that haven’t even occurred yet. so THANK YOU TIFFANY! Thank for having me be apart of this team and get to have all those memories to always look back on. Love, Mariah 
To Tiffany:
Twenty-five years ago
Back in 1993,
You had a dream
That became a reality.
It started in your garage
With just a few of your friends,
Who knew it would take off
And a legacy you would begin.
There was nothing else quite like it
In our conservative town of CR,
But you brought them sexy
In a bikini with little white stars.
Because you had no dance background
People said that you would fail,
But you sure proved them wrong
With hundreds of tickets you did sell.
Your dancing is simply amazing
Your style no one can touch,
The way you run your business
Is why you’re respected so much.
You’ve done so much for others
Such an unselfish spirit you hold,
You coach, you teach, you love
With that great big heart of gold.
You’ve touched so many people
Some you don’t even know,
And changed their lives for better
That’s why we all love you so.
You’ve turned Spirits into a family
Much more than just a team,
Built us up when things were tough
And no hope was what it seemed.
Although you say you hate people
We all know that’s just not true,
Because no one gives more freely
Then you so often do.
We’re all so very proud
That we have crossed your path,
We’ll forever hold all the memories
And countless times you’ve made us laugh.
So twenty-five years later
We’d just like you to know,
That we are forever grateful
No matter where Spirits goes.
So congratulations Tiffany
You deserve nothing but the best,
So whatever you decide to do
Don’t settle for anything less.
We love you!!!
Your “25” Year Anniversary Team
