I was five years old when I experienced a rather elegant introduction to ballet. Each Saturday morning my mother and I would drive to New York City from our home in Lawrence, Long Island. My ballet class was at Carnegie Hall; Madam Stroganova was the teacher. I must describe the sights and sounds of Saturday morning at Carnegie Hall. The main studio was very large, and the Japanese ballet instructor had a dynamic presence among the many dancers. He wore Japanese-style dancewear featuring balloon pants and a tank top. At age 5, the experience was memorable.
Each week, following the class, my mother and I had lunch at the famous Russian Tea Room. Our afternoon activities included piano lessons for my mother and drama lessons for me at Steinway Hall. My mother was grooming me for a career in dance or theater. I continued studying ballet through my twenties, including classes at Florida State University. I had the heart of a dancer and was totally immersed in the artistry and grace, however, I didn’t have the knees of a dancer. When my instructor at FSU asked us to perform a perfect fifth position, I forced my turn-out from my knees rather than my hips. I was using crutches the next day, and that was the start of my sore knees.
I began teaching fitness and dance exercise in 1982 and never looked back. I had two children and my body was well-suited for fitness exercise. Body Electric studios and the TV show on PBS became my life’s work and I experienced wonderful success. I was committed to correct form; I wanted my audience to enjoy what I called “muscle and grace,” continually challenging their muscles without stressing their joints. Correct form has always been the priority.
Tomorrow morning at 7:45 am, I will report to Boston’s Baptist Hospital. I will approach the registration desk and announce that “I am here for the knee surgery I have earned over 30 years of ballet.” I am so ready for this surgery as I plan to maintain my strength and youthful vitality for many years to come!
