In Memoriam

From a postcard in 1967 at American Dance Festival/Connecticut College, New London. 

Sarah Stackhouse dancing with Louis Falco & Jose Limon. photo:  Getty collection

Image restored by Shiloh Vanaver

Remembering Sarah (Sally) Stackhouse

Words by Livia Vanaver

In 1967 I was dancing with Fred Berk's Hebraica Dancers, the resident company at the 92nd Street Y,. At age 16,  I was the youngest member of the Company. There were several dancers who were going to the American Dance Festival that summer at Connecticut College in New London.  It was the first summer ADF included a special teen program.  The Jose Limon Company was in residence there.   I fell in love with them.... but most especially with Sally.   I followed her around like a puppy.   I snuck into the theatre, watched all the rehearsals and came to every performance..... then and subsequently for years.  

 Her expressivity, and depth of feeling touched me to the core.   Her dancing was soulful and transcendent and she inspired me and so many of us dancers.

Years later after Sarah and her husband, Nano,  moved up to New Paltz, where Bill and I had been living since 1974, we found to our delight that our houses was only 10 minutes away!  Since the 90's, our Company and Youth Company have loved dancing in her studio above the garage.  Many dances were created there.  We shook the rafters.  Sarah was always welcome to join us, and always gave great feedback. She inspired many of our young dancers during one SummerDance teaching the Essence of Limon. .   Her welcoming, encouragement and generosity will always be appreciated. Sarah was on the Board of Advisors of The Vanaver Caravan for many years.

I loved just being with her. In 2022 we decided to practice Miss Craske's 8 port de bras from Cecchetti ballet.  We both loved the iconic arm movements.  When we couldn't remember them exactly, we zoomed in Diana Byer, our mutual friend and the keeper of Miss Craske's vast knowledge and Cecchetti sylabus.   This past year,  our relationship included matzo ball soup which I enjoyed making for her knowing that this was something she could eat .   Those matzo balls were filled with my love for her. Indeed every interaction I had with Sarah was full of love.  She engendered that feeling in all of us.

[The photo at the top of this post] was a postcard from 1967 with Sarah, Louis Falco and Jose Limon, when we were at Connecticut College for the American Dance Festival.  I carried it with me for years.  Two years ago,  I asked my son, Shiloh (who does amazing photo restoration work) if he could restore it.

 I gave a nice blown up and framed version to Sarah for her birthday and the first thing she said was, "My feet were so dirty, but I guess that's how every dancer's feet were in those days".

We will miss her deeply.  Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.