After 49 years of mentoring young athletes, Polly's School of Dance and Gymnastics in Stratford is closing its doors.

After the loss of a father, and financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, the family business has been forced to close for good.

Generations of families attended Polly's, and the school employed many former students as teachers.

Owner Polly Brueggestrat says she's been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.

"Really touches my heart and I'm getting emotional now, but it meant a lot to me. It really did. To hear everybody's response to what the gym did for them and meant to them," Brueggestrat said.

Director of economic development for the Town of Stratford, Mary Dean, says she hopes losing small businesses doesn't become the norm.  

Brueggestrat is a member of the Connecticut Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

The family says they intend to sell the building, and they hope whatever takes its place is something that helps kids.