Falmouth, Maine- If you took a tap class in southern Maine between 1955 and 2005, there's a good chance that you were taught by Peggy Russell Westcott Etter. Mrs. Etter began teaching at the Dorothy Mason School of the Dance over half a century ago, where she remained as the school changed locations, directors, and even its name, as it is now known as Maine State Ballet (MSB). When Peggy retired in 2005 after 50 years of teaching, MSB hosted a reunion to celebrate her career. They invited students from decades past to enjoy refreshments and old photographs, share memories and express gratitude for the woman who taught literally thousands of Maine's dancers how to coordinate "Jonny Left-Foot" and "Susie Right-Foot" and tie a perfect bow.
Shortly after her retirement party, Peggy went into the hospital for minor surgery. She didn't wake up from the anesthesia. As her family waited with troubled patience, doctors tried to revive her for two weeks before they finally succeeded. However, complications led to severe blood clotting, and her leg was necessarily amputated.
After spending a couple of years rehabilitating, Mrs. Etter appeared at MSB's spring recital in May, with seemingly impervious excitement over the baby tappers and the Elvis imitator. Her attendance and enthusiasm demonstrated her lifelong commitment to dance and performance, and thrilled the faculty (half of whom she taught herself) and the dancers who saw her. Her daughter, Pam Romanoff, a former Rockette and teacher at MSB, stated it simply when she said, "She still lives for dance."
In honor of her dedication to the school and its dancers, the Maine State Ballet Board of Directors is establishing a merit scholarship in Peggy Etter's name. It will be awarded annually to a promising tap student who has been nominated by the school's teachers and selected by a committee. A benefit reception, workshop and performance will be held at Maine State Ballet, at 348 Route One in Falmouth, on July 18th from 1-5pm. Alumni and friends are encouraged to attend the open house celebration, and contribute to the Peggy Etter Tap Scholarship fund. For more information or to RSVP, please call (207) 781-7672 or email Pauline Concannon at pconcan1@maine.rr.com.
Contact: Eliza Miller - 207-781-7672
photo: Mrs. Peggy Russell Westcott Etter
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