THE Riverland’s much-loved dance teacher Rosemary Clark – or Miss Rosie to many – has been remembered fondly by the community after her passing last week.
Miss Rosie, who resided in Loveday and was the owner and director of Glossop’s Rosie Clark’s School of Ballet and Tap, passed away in Adelaide last Tuesday.
Miss Rosie’s daughter-in-law, Amy Clark, said the family has been “overwhelmed” with the community’s “beautiful response”.
“There is an ongoing tribute created at the dance school by students and their families,” she said.
“Bunches of flowers have been placed by the dance school’s door and ribbons have been tied to the fence – to represent all the ribbons she tied in her students’ hair over the years.
“Some businesses have posted the letter ‘R’ in their window in memory of such an incredible woman who will be greatly missed.”
Mrs Clark said the family was “proud” of Miss Rosie’s successes.
“Miss Rosie moved to the Riverland in 1992 and officially opened the dance school in 1993, which started off with just nine students,” she said.
“The school now has over 250 students – female and male ranging in ages from two to 75 – and the school has 13 active teachers with varying hours.
“Initially the school was just ballet and tap, but now the school also offers jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, pointe, dance acrobatics, adult fitness, belly dancing, musical theatre, yoga, Zumba, piloxing fitness and pilates.
“Miss Rosie also volunteered with other local schools and organisations.”
Mrs Clark said Miss Rosie begun dancing at three and stopped a few years ago.
“Miss Rosie had regular dance appearances on television, she was selected as Miss Advertiser at 16, was accepted into the Australian Dance Theatre, was part of the opening of the Adelaide Festival Theatre, performed at the opening of Rundle Mall and worked and formed friends with big names such as Johnny Farnham, Ernie Sigley, John Crossing, Barry Humphreys and Barry Crocker,” she said.
“Miss Rosie also had many local accomplishments such as being nominated for Zonta Riverland Business Woman of the Year, Berri Barmera Council Australian of the Year and a representative for regional South Australian communities on the Royal Academy of Dance panel.”
Mrs Clark said teaching dance was Miss Rosie’s passion.
“Miss Rosie’s philosophy was teaching the art of dance in a safe, caring environment while also teaching life skills,” she said.
“Miss Rosie’s catch of cry was ‘we teach more than dancing’.
“She enjoyed influencing students lives and providing a home away from home for many students – some referred to her as their second mum.”
Mrs Clark said due to legal restrictions, Miss Rosie’s funeral would be live-streamed.
“We invite the dance family and wider community to join a procession from Berri’s Our Lady of the River church to the Barmera cemetery where they can pay their respects once the family has finished saying their farewell,” she said.
“The family is also collecting tributes so they can reflect on everyone’s memories.
“Memories can be sent to rosemary.memories@gmail.com.”
Mrs Clark said the dance school will continue in her name.
“Miss Rosie’s daughter, Natalie Woolston, will take over the school and it will continue to progress and develop,” she said.
“The legacy of Miss Rosie and her caring and kind nature will live through the students who attend.”
Past dance student, Jasmine Morgan, of Waikerie, said it was an “honour” to be Miss Rosie’s student.
“Miss Rosie was my ballet teacher for 15 years and dedication, leadership, poise, grace, love of sequins and sparkles and confidence are all traits I possess because of her,” she said.
“It’s a huge loss, not just for the dance family but the entire Riverland community, who she always went out of her way for to teach, entertain and bring joy.
“She has helped raise and guide an enormous number of children and has made a lasting effect on so many. It makes me incredibly sad to know I won’t hear her say ‘hello darling’ again.
“My deepest sympathies to Natalie, Bob and their families, and also to her past and present students who along with me, will miss her very much.”