Laura Van Horn's Album: Wall Photos

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I have so many fond memories of Mrs. LeVine that it is hard to know where to start. I danced with MBSL and took classes from the age of 5 until I graduated from high school (1968-1981). I learned so much about dance, of course, but what I really appreciate the most is the life lessons that I learned from her and from my experiences with ballet. The au courant term "grit" was displayed by all of us as we prepared for Nutcracker performances while battling the flu and laryngitis, dealing with scratchy orchestra performances that didn't match the recordings that we rehearsed to, and so much more.

Nathalie was a demanding taskmaster, but it only served to make us strive for better performances and technique as we grew and developed. That skill and desire for improvement stays with me today as I strive for excellence as a parent and to guide my children to do their best in all they do.

I am so grateful for our final visit (pictured below at Washington University in 2017 when we were in town for a college visit) and for a lovely and lengthy phone conversation shortly before she passed. We had a great talk and caught up with each other. I will cherish that opportunity.

To Teddy and Nikki and their loved ones, I share my memories with the hope that the love that your mother shared with all her students will live on in all of us. I hope that helps you deal with this difficult time. I take comfort knowing that she with her beloved Victor again, dancing in heaven as she was always meant to do.

Blessings to you all and to Nathalie, Godspeed.
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