Remembering Steven Boyd

I discovered this post saved as a draft in my blog. I wrote it almost 2 years ago, but never posted it. As the second anniversary of Steven's death approaches, I thought it might be a good time to go ahead and post it.

Tonight I mourn the loss of a great teacher, dancer and man. I learned today that one of my favorite dance teachers passed away last week. In the last few years, I had told myself I would go take a class from him as an adult. I really wanted to see him again, learn from him, but I kept putting it off, waiting till I was in better shape or wasn't pregnant. Now I'll never have that opportunity.

As I sit and remember Steven, I remember his sense of humor, the way he inspired you to be a better dancer. One of my best memories of him is the way he would bang out the beat of the song with a drumstick on a cowbell and count the beat. I can still hear him banging and counting so loudly. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

I first remember taking lessons from Steven at Dance Olympus conventions starting in middle school. His teaching style was fun and different than any of my other teachers. In Fall 86, Ms. Rhonda brought him in to choreograph a new competition dance for our class. I remember that he intimidated me but quickly inspired me to do my best with his humor and reassurance. I even received a nickname, "Smiley".

The next year, he came back to the studio to teach several classes, including one of mine. Even though it had been almost a year, he remembered me and my nickname. The jazz dance he taught us that year has always been one of my favorites. He pushed us, made it fun and really taught us something new.

He gave me confidence everytime I danced.

I will cherish the memories of him forever.
You can visit his online memorial at http://steven-boyd.virtual-memorials.com/