LARGO — When Debbie Kennedy joined the new Tutterow Dance Academy as a young girl in 1976, she never imagined she would one day lead a group of alumni, some who traveled across the country, to celebrate the studio’s 50th anniversary.
But there she was on May 15, standing in front of the stage at the recently renovated Tonne Playhouse, shouting commands and gesturing to show dancers where to stand and land. The Friday walkthrough was the first and only rehearsal the alumni would have to gel and learn the steps after receiving a video of the routines earlier in the week. Four shows loomed that weekend at the Central Park Performing Arts Center.
As her husband of 40 years and studio co-owner, Ron, watched, “Miss Debbie” did everything but climb on stage and place the dancers’ legs in the correct positions. She admitted to feeling the weight of the anniversary of the studio, founded by Phyllis and Gayle Tutterow in 1976 and based at the Largo Community Center through a longtime partnership with the city.
“It makes me proud, and it makes me cry,” Kennedy said during a brief break, watching the group on the stage flanked by giant gold No. 50 signs. “It’s amazing to think how many students have come through the studio, and each student is like family. But it’s hard for me because unlike a typical mom, I have to say goodbye to my ‘kids’ every year.”
That love was reciprocated as Kennedy put the alumni through a rigorous routine in preparation for the four “Tutterow Dance Academy: Celebrating 50 Legendary Years” shows May 17-18.
Yosh Schulman, who joined Tutterow as a young entertainer in the early 1980s, said the lessons he learned at the studio set him up for his career as a businessman. He is director of cloud operations for MassMutual Financial Services in Northampton, Massachusetts.
“We all have similar experiences because we spent a formative part of our childhood here, and the lessons we learned helped shape who we are as adults,” Schulman said. “I know how to speak in my business life because of my time at Tutterow.”
Schulman stepped away from the dance world for the corporate one but still seeks out tap classes outside of work. Dance, he said, remains an important part of his life. He was thrilled to reconnect with fellow alumni and the Kennedys, who have run the studio for nearly 30 years.
“What a delight to see friends and faces you haven’t seen in such a long time and reminisce,” he said.
For Tammy Everhart, a former classmate of Schulman’s and one of Tutterow’s original 1976 alumni, the reunion has been especially meaningful.
“I was there from the beginning,” Everhart said. “Gayle and Phyllis Tutterow started the thread that’s woven through so many of our lives.”
Everhart followed a path closer to Miss Debbie’s, becoming a dance teacher and longtime studio owner. She still teaches at Kennesaw State University and judges national competitions.
Like Schulman, she said she was excited rather than nervous about the shows.
“I don’t really feel nervous,” she said. “But definitely excited and blessed.”
The lack of nerves was a common theme among the dancers, who had to learn the new set on the fly.
“I’m a little nervous because all my students are going to be watching me,” said Autumn Stavanus, a Tutterow alum turned teacher. Schulman said he “thrives on this kind of energy and excitement.”
Their composure reflected a work ethic instilled at a young age and a sense of pride in accomplishment.
“It’s about wanting to do the work and do it right,” Schulman said.
When told about her students’ words of praise, Miss Debbie grew emotional again.
“When I watched the slideshow they put together the other night, I started bawling,” Kennedy said. “These kids have been all over the world. They’ve danced on cruise ships and at Euro Disney. They’ve been to Russia and Germany and Spain and danced for the troops. These are things they will always remember.
“Their bodies change and their priorities change. But they always have the love of dance, and their dance family, in their hearts.”
For more information on Tutterow Dance Academy, which offers classes for men and women of all ages, visit tutterowdancers.com or call 727-585-1232.