November, 2009
Dear Dance Friends,
November is here!
For me it is a time to give thanks for those whom have
served and given me the direction to pursue my calling.
I give my thanks to my first dance teacher,
my mother Betty Obey who ignited my passion to dance
at the age of 2 and a half!
And to Larry Long who gave me my first
professional job with Ruth Page’s magical production of The Nutcracker.
Let alone to perform with and sit on the knee of Sir Anton Dolin
was a real treat!
At 14 I arrived at the Gus Giordano Dance Studio. I was mesmerized
with how his dancers moved. But with my drive and passion, I was
determined to join this company. And that is exactly what happened
the day after I graduated high school at 16 years of age.
I give thanks and my heart to my mentor
Gus Giordano for giving me a chance.
In the year 2000 Gus presented me with the
Jazz Dance World Congress Award for my
conciderable contribution to jazz dance.
I am ever so thankful.
I have also been lucky to have studied with Lou Conte (Founder Hubbard Street Dance
Chicago). Lou’s approach to jazz and discipline of training dancers has only made me
a better teacher and dancer.
My encounter of the work of Jazz Master Matt Mattox was at the first Jazz Dance
World Congress in 1990. I was so intrigued by his free-style movement. Therefore
I chased him all over France and challenged myself to learn his technique.
My ballet teachers Christine Du Boulay and Richard Ellis (Former Royal Ballet soloists) refined my dancing to the utmost.
And last but not least, I thank Benjamin Feliksdal (Former Dutch National Ballet soloist) for
inviting me to The Netherlands 29 years ago.
My thanks this November are for my teachers. I would never be where I am today without their tutelage.
Meanwhile back in Europe this month spreading the word that jazz dance is alive and kicking!
I wish you all a Happy November!
Kind regards
Pattie Obey
Past newsletters: September 2009 - October 2009