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The
Sturgis Falls Celebration is proud to honor Dixie Smith as the
recipient of the 2009 Cornerstone Award for contributing to the
quality of life in the Cedar Valley.
As a result of Dixie’s passion for
teaching, she established Dixie’s School of Dance & Tumbling. In
the past 58 years, three generations of children, from Cedar Falls,
Waterloo, and surrounding towns, have learned life lessons in
physical and mental preparedness, responsibility, dedication, and
teamwork. Dixie believes that individual attention is the very
basis of teaching, especially at the beginning level. And, although
the goal of Dixie’s School of Dance & Tumbling is quality
instruction, she would like her students to come away with memorable
experiences and basic skills that will help them become successful
adults.
As a girl, Dixie was interested in
dance and tumbling and began taking classes. Soon, Dixie became a
student of Jeanne Millette, who helped develop her love for the
sport. While taking lessons from Jeanne, Dixie worked as a
volunteer helper for four years until she left for Chicago National
Association of Dance Masters, where she received both her Bachelor’s
and Master’s degrees in Dance. When Jeanne Millette moved to
California, Dixie took over the studio and started Dixie’s School of
Dance.
Separating Dixie's
School of Dance & Tumbling from the woman
herself is nearly impossible.
She continues to manage her school and teach. In her free
time, Dixie loves to spend time with her 14 grandchildren and 7
great-grandchildren. Attending the Sturgis Falls Celebration
is an annual event for her. Dixie loves the Craft Show and in
years past, her school has participated in the Parade. |
