Condolences
Miss Olia u taught me many lessons in life, including sheer determination and strength.
U are a gifted dance teacher and a big influence in my life.
U will never be forgotten, my u dance with the angels now. Luv always and thank u, Laura Bertsch-slauson
May the Peace of the Lord be with you now and always. Miss Olia gave many many young people in the Howell area a sense of accomplishment in her dance studio. She often came across as strict or stern with her powerful voice, her demand for good form, and the "stick" she used to keep us all in time... but the truth was that she had a huge heart and a smile that could light up the room. When one of her students accomplished something, she always let them know with that beautiful smile. I am still a good dancer and love the art of dance because of the time in my childhood that I was fortunate enough to have been one of her many students. God Bless Miss Olia.
Rest in peace, Miss Olia. You were a big influence in my childhood. You taught me determination, attention to detail, and to never quit or give up on myself. I remember there were children who thought you were too strict and mean. (Mostly because of that cane) They would join the dance school and not stay very long. They really missed out on an amazing teacher, who cared and wanted her students to learn more than dance from her. You will be missed, and your lessons and values live on in many of us.
For more than a decade, I studied under Miss Olia’s watchful eye. She helped nurture my love of ballet, and eventually all forms of dance. I cherish my memories with her and the many lessons she taught me. From my first year as a “Pony” to full ballets like “Swan Lake,” I learned to work hard, practice and always smile. I smiled because I loved dancing for myself and for her (and my mom who had her regular spot on the stairs). To this day, when I listen to classical music I can vividly picture our barre exercises or recital dances. Miss Olia was a gift to the dance world and to me. I know in my heart that she is dancing with the angels, or at least, telling them to point their feet.
My beloved Ms. Olia... This extradionary women was an iconic piece of history, a time traveler, a magical work of art. Her life was full of magical stories of the theatre that I never got bored of listening too. She was stunningly beautiful from the inside to the out. She was one of the best friends I ever had in my life and stepped in as the role of a "surrogate mother" and mentor to me. I believe my life and many generations to come will better this earth because she parented and mentored me and many children leaving life lessons, traditions, and values instilled in us. "Big kisses, till we met again...NaZdorovie!"
God bless her and rest her soul. I have such wonderful memories of dance classes with her. Then,later on meeting much younger girls who also took dance lessons with her. Such an awesome and inspiring woman. I can only imagine the countless young people she encouraged and helped mold into who they are today. She will be missed by many! My condolences to her family.
I was the other part of Cindy/Mindy when Miss Olia couldn't tell my sister and I apart. We loved this woman every single day. Even when she used her "stick" and pushed our legs higher then we could. We even loved the "don't roll your feet" going into positions. Flying high in her studio wasn't easy either, and she allowed us chubbies to use our plastic pants to sweat it out. Oh you will be missed my super dancer. Rest easy and we'll meet again.
I was not a dancer... However in 1983 Olia chose me for an "artistic scholarship". She helped me go to college. She was a thoughtful woman, may she rest in peace.
I serviced Ms Olia as a standing appt for about 20 yrs or so !! Saw her every week ❤️ Ms Olia was a tough but sweet woman who took no crap !! And you better be on time I will miss her forever !! I will remember her forever with a
I serviced Ms Olia as a standing appt for about 20 yrs or so !! Saw her every week ❤️ Ms Olia was a tough but sweet woman who took no crap !! And you better be on time I will miss her forever !! I will remember her forever with a
My deepest condolences to the Balch family. Miss Olia was an amazing person and teacher who touched many people. May God rest her soul and comfort your family through this difficult time. Rest in peace, Miss Olia. You were a big influence in my childhood. You taught me determination, attention to detail, and to never quit or give up on myself. I remember there were children who thought you were too strict and mean. (Mostly because of that cane) They would join the dance school and not stay very long. They really missed out on an amazing teacher, who cared and wanted her students to learn more than dance from her. You will be missed, and your lessons and values live on in many of us.
I too was one of Miss Olia's many students. As a young boy of 7 years old, I started with tap, ballet, jazz, and Russian Character dance. The training I received got me accepted into the School of American Ballet in New York City where I was able to perform with the NYCB's beloved Nutcraker and 7 other ballets as well. Although I never became a professional dancer, dance has always been part of my life. Today I live in Germany, and for the past seven years, have been a member of the White Horses Country Line Dance group here in Rostock. My fellow group members thought I had been doing line dance my whole life, but because of my childhood dance training, I took to it like a fish takes to water. They can't understand or appreciate my "perfectionism" and accuracy, but then again, they didn't train with Miss Olia! If they had, then they'd be able to understand!Through line dance, I have been able to connect with people in other countries as well, especially in France. Thank you Miss Olia, for giving me the gift of dance that has led me through all of my 52 years of life on this earth!
Miss Olia was apart of my life for 14 years. But the many lessons I learned have lasted a lifetime. My memories are many and happy. May Miss Olia rest in peace while she dances through the clouds.
Miss Olia left an imprint on my heart & soul. My sister & I took many classes (ballet, jazz, tap) with Miss Olia. She is/was AMAZING! I learned so much from her: stay confident, stand tall, have passion, & so much more. She was a pivotal part of my life. She is loved & will be missed dearly. Thank you Miss Olia....for everything! My heartfelt condolences xoxo
I took dance with Miss Olia many years ago. Believe it or not, I still remember part of my jazz dance. She was an amazing teacher and made a lasting impression. May she rest in peace.
Miss Olia gave to me a life long love of ballet especially, but all dance in general. RIP
I enjoyed her ballet class. I took only one year of ballet, and I was very nervous during my very first recital. Be at peace Ms. Olia, you were a kind and dedicated instructor.
I danced there for years. Many recitals at Georgian Court Collage. I loved looking at the pictures by the bars while warming up. She was beautiful. The stick did scare me though,lol. I would run into her in the food store as an adult and it was pretty cool talking to her one on one. She had a great sense of humor. And didn't hesitate to tell me to loose a little weight,lol.
Miss Olia taught me not only to dance but to feel the music and not to be ashamed to do that. May she rest in peace.
Miss Olia was a great dancer, teacher and choreographer. The recitals of her school were second to none!! I have never seen better recitals than those of her school. My daughter Megan was one of her students and enjoyed her classes very much. She was tough, but loving at the same time and the best ballet teacher that I have ever known. Rest in peace Miss Olia. Your students and their parents will never forget you!
Ms.Olia taught me to dance over 40 years ago. She truly was a inspiration to all of her students. May she RIP.
So sorry to hear about miss Olia. She was my dance teacher at least 40 years ago. She was a huge presence to many while we were growing up here in Howell. RIP Miss. oliaa