A Different Kind of Hero
by Marissa Graham
Silas Wood Middle School

Even with all the responsibilities she has, Ms. Posey still had time for me to interview her. My first question was “What was your biggest accomplishment as president of the NDEO?” She told me that she tried to focus dance education in arts education discipline rather than physical education. I then asked her “What motivates you to do everything you do?” She says “My students. I really like ot help people.” Lastly, I asked her why she loves her students so much and who her heroes were when she was younger. She said that her students are unique, hard working, and loved what they did. Her heroes were Maria Tallchief and Margot Fonteyn, both dancers.

Ms. Posey always has time for me. She is my mentor because she informs me on my future dance career. She has helped me physically and emotionally. One time in particular made me feel proud when she told me I had “toes of steel.” This made me feel more confident as a dancer. I also give Ms. Posey credit for me winning the physical education student award. She is my hero influencing me in everything I do.

Ms. Posey is a wise, loving, high-spirited woman that I will respect all my life. She is my hero.

What is a hero? They can be someone who cares about you and lifts your spirits. They can be a role model, or something as simple as a pair of skates. A hero can be a person, a place, an object, or imaginary. My hero is different from an ordinary. My hero is Ms. Posey.

Ms. Posey has been my ballet teacher, educator, and friend since I first started ballet at age 6. She is one of the ballet teachers and proprietor of Posey School of Dance. Even after teaching for fifty years, Ms. Posey is still in love with dance to this day. She is my hero for having a love and passion for her students that still remains strong.

Not only does Ms. Posey teach and own a dance studio, she was the former president of NDEO (National Dance Education Organization) travels the country encouraging everyone to dance, takes care of her 92 year old mother, and much more. She is my hero because she is motivated to go beyond the average dance teacher.

The following letter was received June, 2004 from Marissa, age 10.
(Marissa is on the left in the front row with a navy shirt on)
 

Dear Ms. Posey,

These past three years with you have been wonderful. You have helped me physically and emotionally. Thank you for all your help. I have grown so much as a person because of you.

You’ll be glad to hear that at my moving up ceremony, I won the “2004 Outstanding Physical Education Student.” It is an extremely special award because it was the only award that was given to just one person. My parents are very proud of me.

This past weekend my family and I went to see the New York City Ballet. The first piece we saw was Allegro Brilliante, Mozartiana, and Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3. It was all spectacular. My favorite was the second because the dancers were extremely graceful, unlike the first one. Also there were kids in this one.

Love, Marissa