Kittiwake Dance Theatre

Testimonials

Linda,

I am sorry I couldn't be in St. John's tonight for your celebration, but I wanted to send a note to say congratulations and thank you. I honestly don't know what my life would have been like if I had not found you and Kittiwake. I remember clearly my first audition for the Nutcracker in 1991 where I was scared to death, and late (I blame my mother), but for some reason I really wanted to be there. It was likely the most independent moment in my 9 year old life and from that moment onward I was captivated by dance. My experiences at Kittiwake are some of my most memorable to date and I often think back to all the people I met and performances and classes in which I danced. Teachers and dancers came and left over the thirteen years that I was there, but your dedication and expertise was the one thing that held it all together. I would like to sincerely thank you for the encouragement that you gave me, the talent that you brought out in me, and the wonderful experiences that I will never forget. You will certainly be missed in St. John’s.

With love and best wishes,
Elyse
(In Halifax)
I would just like to thank Linda for all the contributions she made to our creative community and the role she played in shaping my future. I am still in pursuit of my creative goals and feel that the seven years I spent at Kittiwake helped nurture and encourage those dreams. I also still consider Linda a friend:)

Keep up the good work.
Sarah Austin
Linda

And speaking of finances, you have been an extraordinary employer to many students, including my sister and me. We have spent several summers working for a boss who has been fair, fun, and flexible. It doesn't get much better than that, so we are truly, deeply appreciative. We have learned numerous life skills through the intricacies of running a performing arts company, and we will miss the discussions, stories, and jokes we shared as you assisted us in developing a strong work ethic.

Under your direction, Linda, Newfoundland has gained a whole new generation of people who can dance, act, or sing. Many of us have become face painters, unicyclers and jugglers. Through mime, you have taught us that we can say a whole lot, without ever opening our mouths! The petformance skills you have imparted will endure a lifetime, as we will pass our enthusiasm for the arts on to those who follow us.

And, let's not forget the joy and humour we experienced as Kittiwake members. Who can forget the fun we had while attempting to become flea market sellers, penny pinchers from The Village Mall's fountain, and selling everything from chocolate bars, to cookbooks, to you name it! We not only learned the many ways to make a dollar, but we encountered all 'sorts and Conditions’ in the process! Why, you even succeeded to convince our parents to don costumes and scare the wits out of people, as you became the founder of "haunted houses" during October month! How funny is that I?! Backstage bloopers, onstage crisis's these are just some of the things that fond memories are made of.

Then, there was the time you had the courage to fill your home with children and teenagers for a meal of homemade Jewish cuisine. Chilli dinners, potluck suppers your love of entertainment, for the benefit of others, obviously, never ended at the theatre. These are just some of many, many recollections which reveal your kind and generous personality.

When our parents sent us to Kittiwake, they recognized that it was a special place, operated by an exceptional person. It gave them great comfort to know that we were spending so much time around such a shining example, for most of us spent as much time in the studio as we did at home. Our parents regarded you as "the salt of the earth" and felt that if we turned out to be "half as good" as you, we would be wonderful people, indeed! For all of the advice you have offered us over the years and for being our "second mother", we thank you.

As the final curtain slowly closes upon the year 2006, we find ourselves experiencing a great personal loss, as we bid you farewell. Our loss, however, is The National Ballet's gain. To you, your husband Bob, who has watched your many shows with silent pride, and to Rebekah and her husband, we wish you much happiness. Please, stay in touch and know that we are always here for you, as you have always been there for us. I don't know if you have a suitcase big enough to carry our love, but please, know that it's as wide as an ocean! Thank you, Linda.

Melissa Hoskins
Linda,

It is my proud privilege to deliver this farewell message on behalf of the members of Kittiwake Dance Theatre's Performing Company. Tonight, I am grateful for the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness, support, and friendship you have shown us over the past 20 years. For your company's members, the name "Linda" has not only become a household word. It has come to represent a person whom we consider to be a part of our families, as well as an individual for whom we have the greatest respect and admiration. We equate your name with talent, intelligence, and a quiet, unassuming nature. You will be remembered as the creative choreographer and director who taught us, not only about dance, but who equipped us for life.

Through the artistry of dance, you have not only added to our imaginations, but you have educated us in countless ways. Together, we have "Crossed the Barrens" and you have instilled in your students, as well as the general public, that Newfoundland has a rich cultural heritage of which we should be proud. Although I am a Newfoundlander, I admit that I, probably, would never have heard of "The Hag", were it not for you.

You have however taken us beyond our own small realm. Performing in Tianamemen Square has given us greater insight into the dangers of oppression, while Shadows in the Cave allowed us to reflect upon the atrocities of Hitler, during WWII. Under your direction, we have become "Pirates", "Gypsies", and yes ... even "Professionals" ! Your countless works have opened our minds to the variety of colorful people who exist in our world, and you have helped us to realize that all are interesting and worthy.

Kittiwake's annual production of The Nutcracker has forever touched and warmed the hearts of children and adults alike. Without a doubt, you have created a tradition so important it wouldn't feel like Christmas without this holiday ritual! You see, for most of us, The Nutcracker is not just about performing. It is a time of year, that through your hard labour an enormous cast of people take time from their busy schedules to rekindle their friendships. It is a time when "Secret Santa" appears backstage to share the magic of the season, when challenging needs individuals are welcomed to the theatre with open arms, and a time when we join together as a community to fundraise for a cause we cherish so dearly. In addition, by calling upon the talent of your gifted daughter, Rebekah, first soloist with The National Ballet of Canada, you have provided us with a level of professional entertainment that will not soon be forgotten. You may even be surprised to know that, as a result of your influence, many of us have become avid Nutcracker collectors and have Christmas trees laden with "Nutcracker" memories!

Throughout the years, you have not only exhibited passion for your work, but you have taught us that dance is not always about wearing a tutu, getting the lead role, or being the centre of attention. We have learned that "art" is much more important than Aattitude", and a performance can be a performance whether it takes place in a shopping mall, a park, an intimate studio, or upon a downtown street.

Your inspiration, has spurred many an idea for topics we chose to study in school. The confidence you have created has spilled into our everyday lives, and the discipline you have demanded has helped us to become better citizens. You have opened your doors to immigrant teachers and foreign exchange students, enriching all of our lives. It was you who worked tirelessly to invite other dance companies to our province and provided students with the privilege of workshops. We certainly realize that no financial gain has ever exceeded the riches you have shown us.

Megan Hoskins