For a teacher who I never had in a formal class setting during my graduate tenure at NYU Tisch, it is a testament to Linda's example as a teacher and artist that she offered me, and many others, pivotal moments of mentorship while cultivating a rich appreciation of dance and the moving body. I have begun sharing some of these stories with my current students in the NYU Tisch Dance Department. Though they do not know her, it is my sincere wish that her impactful lessons will carry on through a new generation of dancing artists. 

 

 

My first impression of Linda was seeing her at ballet barre each morning. This dedication made a real impact on me as a young professional because I remember recognizing that her daily discipline was one of simple presence and ritual rather than an act of ego. That was revolutionary to me at the time. 

 

Linda always remembered her students, colleagues, and graduates. Over the years, it was common to run into Linda at performances around NYC or during the summers at ADF or The Yard. She was proud and gracious while effortlessly introducing you to whomever she was with. You could not help but feel invited to the broader dance/arts community as both peer and professional. Linda's generosity of spirit was consistent, inclusive, and supportive in all settings. Her example really impressed upon me her true confidence as a leader in a field that can often feel so exclusive and hierarchical. 

 

I always remember Linda commenting when she would see you after class or rehearsal or teaching (you would be flushed, sweaty, and/or short of breath), "That must feel soooo good." What a gift in a comment! She was always reminding us with a gentle nudge to never take our moving body for granted.

 

When Linda retired as Chair, we had a ceremony for her, and it was a very emotional day for all of us. I remember her taking the time on a day when we were honoring her to once again give us a gift. She told all of us gathered that day how dance taught her so many lessons that actually had nothing to do with how to dance at all. She reminded us that dance can teach each of us to truly know ourselves, and to be honest in how we live our lives.