We’re Listening!
Dear Ann:
I again marvel at our same interests. The article that you wrote about Linda Strutz is amazing. I adore her program. In 1976-1978, I became the Founding President of the Parents and Friends of the Atlantic Foundation for the Performing Arts. We were located in Fort Lauderdale.
My daughter began at this Academy when she was six and left when she was 14 years old. We spent almost 7 days a week either at the dance studio, War Memorial, or Parker Playhouse. We were the first in Fort Lauderdale to do the big ballets, such as "Cinderella," "Nutcracker," "Romeo and Juliet," and many, many creative & original dancework in concerts. Of course, I spent a lot of time backstage.
I myself got involved with June Taylor, who went on the Board of the Foundation to help us raise money for the Foundation. She took eight Moms and Friends of the Foundations, and we became the lead dancers in her Showoff Productions. This followed by three productions. The last show had at least 100 people with June's helper, a producer that she brought in to help her from Broadway. Then the Foundation closed; I was so unhappy for months.
Then I was asked to become the Founding President of The New Showoffs three-four years ago. I did this for two years. Unfortunately, we had to close this because the original situation did not pan out. We did give June Taylor a huge thank you party at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts a year before she died. This was so wonderful. She passed about a year ago. I also produced the one show, "The Showoffs" original, at the Cinema Paradisio Theatre.
Thus, the meaningful Arts Academy of Hollywood is just up my alley. I find what is happening totally amazing. I totally agree with Linda's thinking and approach. What she is doing is so needed by 49 other states in our union.
Love you,
Joni [Rosenthal]
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Thank you so much for your magazine. I could go on about how useful it has been for me, but this is about Rachel and Sarah Cooney [see following article]. Recently, after Rachel was in a 161?2 -hour surgery, I asked her mom to jot down something about her girls. The next day Terri brought me the attached information. The point of all of this is that this family is such an example of love and faith; it helps to remind me of why I teach; why I dance; why I continue.
Thank You!
Pam Lauer
County Ballet Dance Studio
Bel Air, MD
Two Girls
Born Worlds Apart, They Become Sisters And Dance Their Way Into A Community's Heart
Sarah Nicole, our chocolate princess, was born in Maryland on March 31, 1989, and came into our home just thirty-six hours later. As sweet as she is beautiful, Sarah was a delightful addition to our growing family. Her love for music and dance led her to beg for dance classes. At age five, Sarah began at County Ballet studying with owner, Paul Lauer, in a class with other home school children. We had no idea that Sarah was born to dance.
Rachel Agnes, our angel face, was born in the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa, on March 6, 1990. The Lord quietly slipped her into our lives after a chance meeting in the hall at our church. Rachel's face had been destroyed by fire in a violent act in her own home. A missionary had brought her to this country in the hope of finding an adoptive family. We were the family the Lord had for Rachel, our tenth child.
Sarah and Rachel formed an immediate bond - sisters with March birthdays, funny little toenails, and outtie belly buttons. It was love! Of course, when Sarah went to dance class, Rachel had to go to. Never mind that she had a foot drop and nerve damage because a nurse in Africa had been careless giving a shot and had damaged the Sciatic nerve. She had rhythm and determination and she would dance!
Six years and a lot of dance classes have passed. Rachel has endured so many reconstructive surgeries that we have lost count. Through it all, she has continued to smile and to dance. Sarah has been at her side, loving and encouraging. Together they have performed as part of the Part Two Dance Company and in several productions of the "Nutcracker." Together they have been jumpers on the Hoppin' Hawks jump rope team. Together they went through the process of casting Sarah's nose to make a prosthetic one for Rachel.
At present, Rachel is undergoing another reconstructive process. The doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital are making a flesh and blood nose for Rachel from a skin flap taken from her arm. Sadly, Rachel could not dance this summer. Sarah stepped in for her, taking over as Miss Paul's helper in the baby classes that Rachel had covered. Sarah is at Rachel's side encouraging, comforting, and loving her back to health and onto the dance floor.
Every day, cards pour into our home. These two sisters, born worlds apart, have captured the hearts of our community...one because of her unwavering courage, the other because of her unwavering love... both because of their gentle spirits and amazing dancing.
Written by Terri Cooney, Mother
Good Morning Ann:
I read and re-read the article you wrote and feel so blessed and excited. You are an amazing writer. The way in which you put the story together is so well done. You are one of the first writers I've interviewed with that really wrote what I said. I can't thank you enough. The timing of the story is truly perfect. I will be making a presentation to the City Commission to ask for funding for the school. The story is perfect for the back up required for the presentation.
I was discussing it with my husband yesterday and he said, "Honey, you don't realize the impact this is going to have on the Arts Academy." Then I opened up my e-mail to see your note from Joni [Rosenthal]. I'm the luckiest girl in Hollywood! I look forward to meeting Joni. Also I want to buy many copies of the magazine for marketing purposes and of course to send to the appropriate people in the City, County, and family.
I look forward to you being a part of the Arts Academy family. Thank you so very much for the beautiful story. I'm truly touched!
Always,
Linda (Strutz)
Arts Academy of Hollywood [FL]
My Dear Owen,
Thank you for publishing the number one dance magazine, Dancer and having my students and my 25th year as the feature story and front cover. Your reporter and editor did a supersonic job and I thank them both. I thank you also. I was hoping to see you on my convention travels. In case I don't see you, "enjoy."
My warmest wishes to you and yours.
Love and Lots of it,
Abby Lee Miller
Pittsburgh, PA