The Zinger School of Dancing Revue was held April 27 and 28.
In addition to celebrating the year's dancers, the revue also honoured Jeannie Zinger, who was celebrating her 65th year of teaching dance.
"To do anything for 65 years is remarkable — but to dedicate yourself to teaching, inspiring, and uplifting others through dance for that long? That’s truly rare," said granddaughter Josie Fraser during the revue. "Most people retire from their careers long before reaching that milestone, but for Grandma, dance was never just a job — it was her calling."
Zinger began dancing at seven-years-old, when her parents, Roy and Melba Willis, enrolled her into formal dance lessons at the Martin School of Dancing in Stettler, taught by Loree Martin (Velner).
"They could never have known that those first lessons would lay the foundation for a lifelong passion — one that would not only shape her own life, but touch the lives of generations to come," said Fraser.
Zinger would attend her classes, and the classes of others, absorbing what she could. In her first year of dance, she would go on to win a Highland Competition in Red Deer.
Zinger would bring home numerous trophies from competitions across Canada.
After around seven years of dance, Martin (Velner) decided to quit teaching in Stettler, and asked Zinger, then 14, to take over the studio. That was the year of the studio's dance revue.
Eventually, Zinger would marry Allan Zinger and start a family, all while continuing to teach dance all over East Central Alberta before ultimately ending up in Coronation.
"As a dancer married to a musician, the arts ran deep in the Zinger family," said Fraser. "Their children — Steven, Kathleen, Martin, and Leanne — grew up immersed in music and dance, performing in the family band with choreographed musical numbers. And now, with 11 grandchildren and nearly 16 great-grandchildren, many of them with impressive dance and music talents, her legacy continues to grow."
According to Fraser, "Grandma Jeannie," as she is affectionately known, has trained dancers and future teachers, with many now leading their own studios elsewhere in the province.
"Her legacy lives not just in dance, but in the confidence, joy, and artistry she’s inspired in countless young dancers," said Fraser. "It’s hard to put into words what 65 years of teaching dance truly means. It all began with a 14-year-old girl who had a passion and a dream. From that very first class to today, you’ve poured your heart into every step, every student, and every moment."
Through her teaching, Jeannie Zinger has touched hundreds of youth, shaped generations, and built a continuing legacy.
