 To Maureen and all those at The Dance Gallery,
I know this email will come as a surprise to my beloved dance-teacher, Maureen. Such is the beauty of how the internet can reconnect us all. I am incredibly proud to be a graduate of The Judy Hunter School of Dance (and as one of Maureen’s long-time students, will consider myself one of The Dance Gallery as well.) My journey of dance began in 1967 – and I graduated from the studio & Kam-High in 1982. It goes without saying that to this day, I still feel so blessed and have hundreds of fond memories from my years with Maureen (& Judy!) My sisters, cousin and I all studied under their tutelage with pride of being “raised” as dancers with one of the finest schools in BC, and Canada - while also being provided exceptional training, a sense of family and a whole lot of life’s joys. And this mentoring extended far beyond my 15 years as part of their training-centre – the mentoring continued on, as I was welcomed back as a guest-teacher or turned to my amazing & giving teachers, Maureen and Judy, for career guidance, as I forged ahead with my dance-career in the Lower-Mainland. I know that the immense qualities instilled in me were integral to my own successful career as a Dance-Educator, Adjudicator and now editor of my own dance-publication. It is always with a full heart that I can reflect on my dance-years – the excitement I felt at new recital, festival & exam seasons – the comfort of knowing I was “in good hands” as I aspired to my own dreams of dance! I wish you all a fantastic dance-season – and many more to come! I extend my endless gratitude to Maureen Duggan – a Dance Educator of incredible passion and one of my life’s greatest mentors! Warm Regards, Ronelle Roode, Editor – A Passion for Dance Magazine |
