“My birthday came in July, and in September I was allowed to take ballet from Lillian Breskin Schiller. Her parents ran a store on Franklin St. a few blocks from our shoe store. There were only a handful of us taking the lessons, but I was in heaven. When recital time came, we danced special dances we had been practicing for a long time. I remember that first recital when our class of four hatched out of eggs as chickens and danced a cute dance. The girls were Marian Lindeman, Marguerite Paul and Delphine Loy. I was so proud that my mother who never made clothes was able to make that chicken costume with the help of the other mothers. I looked rather cute, I thought.”

“I began dancing lessons at 4 years of age and once won 3rd place in a Charleston contest–partly because I was 3^rd smallest in the show at the contest held at the Tivoli. When I was six years old, I entered a Charleston contest held at the Tivoli. My teacher taught me a special combination and I did a cute dance to “Ain’t She Sweet”, and did get a prize for it. It was one whole dollar! Later I even helped my teacher, now Florence Leggett–teach classes–especially ballroom dancing.”

“I showed my Mothers’ Chorus of McKinley School dances for skits at Carnival Time shows. Also, I taught dances for the Temple Beth-El Follies and other organizations. I never made money, but did use my talent and up until I was 64 years old, I have taken Tap and Jazz lessons. My favorite thing to do has seen me through the years with pleasure for me.”

Thanks for teaching me how to dance Grandma.