Dance recital continues tradition

Thirty-three years ago, when Susan Stern inherited her cousin's dance school, she had only 27 students.

As a child, Stern learned how to dance at her cousin Thelma Parker's dance studio. After teaching dance for 50 years, Stern said Parker was ready to retire. It just seemed natural for Stern to step in.

Now, 33 years later, Stern is not only still teaching the art of dance to children in the community, but the number of youth under her tutelage has exploded. Stern said this past year she instructed 170 students in more than 20 different classes scattered throughout each week. Adding that she is working on teaching the next generation of students. Stern explained that she also taught many of her current students' mothers when they were young.

Jana Walker, one of Stern's former students, said she really enjoyed her time spent in Stern's dance studio. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that her daughter Olivia Walker now receives dance lessons from Stern.

"Dancing in Susan's studio was a wonderful experience for me throughout my childhood, and I wanted my daughter to have the same opportunity," Walker said.

Another one of Stern's former students Katricia Bradbury said she is excited to see her daughter participating in Stern's class.

"My sisters and I took dance from Susan forever. It is really special to see Sami enjoying it so much," Bradbury said.

Jodee Valley, who used to take lessons from Stern when she was young now has three children who take lessons from Stern.

Walker said her daughter has learned a lot more from Stern than just dance routines.

"Susan teaches children much more than dance steps. They learn coordination and self-esteem as well. Seeing my daughter on stage brings back wonderful memories for me," Walker said.

Stern said those who take dance lessons from her learn discipline, poise and coordination. After about a year of dance, it's amazing how much more graceful they are. Their posture is improved and they know how to carry themselves, Stern said.

Jennifer Quick, who is the mother of one of Stern's students, said her daughter has really enjoyed taking lessons from Stern. In addition, the mother-daughter pair look forward to Stern's dance recitals, which are conducted once ever other year.

"My daughter, Peyton Quick, age 11, has taken dance lessons since she was three years old so this is her eighth year," Quick said. "From the pink tutu in her first dance to the several changes she has now. It's been a lot of fun. Even as busy as all families are with all the school activities, ball games, etc., we work towards recital every other year, and as parents we have to choose between activities. That's the hardest part of it all. But it's all about the kids... Dance certainly brings the shyness out of some kids, and you see all types of personalities come out on stage. My favorite part of recital is seeing all the other classes that have been working so hard and the brilliant choices in costumes. Susan is the best at helping each class, whether it's tap, jazz, or ballet, choose the costumes," Quick said.

Peyton said she really enjoys the time she spends taking dance lessons from Stern.

"Dance is a way I can express myself and have fun with my friends. Recital is exciting and I still get nervous. Susan is the best teacher I could ask for. She brings out the best dancer in all of us and she's awesome. We have so much fun week to week getting ready for recital and all the hard work pays off at the recital performances," Peyton said.

The impact that Stern is having on the lives of those who learn to dance from her is evident in more than just the generations of dancers who return year after year to glean what they can from the seasoned teacher. It is also obvious in a couple of her former students. Kristin Gorman, one of Stern's former students, has performed in many different places, Stern said. Gorman has performed with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, on cruise ships and with Smokey Joe's Cafe. Stern said on one occasion she was able to watch Gorman perform with Smokey Joe's Cafe. Stern said as she watched Gorman performed she was overwhelmed with feeling of pride for her former student.

In addition to Gorman, Stern said Natalie MaGee, also a former student, will be pursuing a professional dance career.

Even though Stern's cousin Parker, who will be turning 100 this October, has retired from teaching dance, she still attends every recital that Stern's students perform. Stern said she attributes Parker's good health to her many years of exercise.