He was 17, I was eight

No, it's not what you think.  I started ballet lessons when I was eight at the local Lindenlea Community Centre in Ottawa where our instructor was David Moroni.  This came back to me today when I attended a fund-raising lunch at the Calgary Golf and Country Club for 'Alberta Ballet' as a guest of a wonderful friend I have met here.  (I'll get to our hostess "M" later.) 

"Stand up straight, head up, shoulders back," David used to demand.  "You can always tell a ballet dancer when you see one coming down the street.  They know how to walk," he admonished every Saturday morning if we dared hunch, slouch or slink.  G-d forbid!  He never treated us as children.  Very demanding, David expected all of us to hit every position perfectly.  If not, he tapped you on the toes or knees until you did.  I loved the lessons.  Apparently, so did many students of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, where he became principal dancer in 1966 and eventually head of the company's professional training program for many years before retiring in 2003 -- but not before receiving the Order of Canada in 1990.  Good for him and well-deserved. 

Who came to know the rap of David's cane?  People such as Evelyn Hart, David Peregrine, Tara Birtwhistle and Jennifer Welsman.  That's who.  And to think, I was a pupil amongst that august company!  It's kind of thrilling.

The speaker today was the current head of Alberta Ballet, Jean Grand-Maitre -- whose surname no one could properly pronounce here in dear old Calgary.  Never mind, the luncheon was designed to raise funds for toe shoes.  Really?  Had no idea that ballerinas can demolish a pair or two in one performance.  And since they run about $150, the shoes are a very draining piece of the performance.  Have never been to a "shoe fund raiser", but it was fascinating.  To entice us to bid, worn shoes were passed around to each table.  As I examined them, I recalled how David would never let us wear them because, a) we were not adequately skilled and, b) our little bones would not have been able to stand the stress. 

Our charming hostess, M, bid on an autographed pair for one of her daughters-in-law.  It went for $ 1,000, but all to a good cause -- especially if you have the money.  The bid also included lunch with Grand-Maitre, so that was a serious bonus.  It was Grand-Maitre who told me all about David Moroni; I was grateful.  Tried to contact David on...whatever...to no avail.  But apparently, he is still well and living in retirement in New Brunswick. 

I was grateful and honoured to have been invited by M to the lunch.  The only other people at our table (Number One, of course) were her sisters, daughters-in-laws and best friends over many years.  To have been seated beside her was a real honour.  M kind'a runs Calgary.  A devout Catholic, she has Mass said at all her gatherings.  Usually there are several priests in attendance, as well as a Vatican representative...or two.  "Will Francis attend your next gathering?" I laughingly asked.  Seriously, might just happen.

Her parties are the most fun ever.