Dear Morrison, IL:
There are not words to describe the emotions we felt for the support received for the Anne Petersen Dance Memorial Tribute. Seventy-five percent of the audience on Friday night[, November 22, 2013,] consisted of the many people who traveled from Morrison and other communities to be present for this [Chicago, IL,] event. Many others attended on other nights, and all admit that Anne’s spirit could be felt as the dancers performed.
Thank you, first of all, [to] the Innervation Dance Cooperative, for opening their venue, and to the dancers, for giving their time and talent to honor a fellow dancer, whom they had never met.
A special thank you to Sunny Kallas (former student and Assistant Teacher of Anne’s) for honoring Mrs. P. in such a beautiful way. Sunny choreographed and danced in five of the performances that night, including the Tribute to Mrs. P. It was evident by all that Sunny put her heart and soul into the piece honoring Mrs. P., choosing a favorite song, “I Hope You Dance,” which was the theme for Anne’s 25th Dance Recital Event. At the conclusion of Sunny’s tribute, there were many tears of joy shed as all stood in ovation to show deep, heartfelt appreciation to Sunny.
Thanks to
- the drivers, Kaywyn Beswick, Wade Kaufman, and Anne’s stepdaughter, Beth Petersen.
- the many who traveled with us.
- Anne’s daughter and granddaughters who traveled from Springfield, IL.
- Kate and the Senior Pons.
- Jackie Jevne for organizing those from Anne’s church [St. Mary’s Catholic].
- Anne’s prayer group and close friends.
Thank you, Jill Kaufman, for coordinating the many details that made this trip possible.
Those who attended the memorial, and many who were unable to attend, loved Anne and the contribution she made to the Morrison community for over 30 years. Her legacy continues to live on in the lives of all who climbed the staircase every week to learn from Mrs. P. and in the community she loved and called home. She is at peace, dancing in Heaven and smiling down from above.
Patti Austin, daughter of Anne Petersen
Family, friends, and former dance students drew together to celebrate the artistry of dance that Anne Petersen nurtured for three decades.