From Polio to Pliés: A Local Woman's Dance Journey Despite Childhood Illness
A Tale of Resilience and Passion
When Diane Kennedy was diagnosed with polio in 1944, she was just eight years old, and her world changed forever. But today, at nearly 90, she's still dancing and shows no signs of slowing down. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of the human spirit. But here's where it gets inspiring: Kennedy's journey began with a diagnosis that could have ended her dance dreams before they even started.
Polio, an infectious virus that attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord, caused temporary or permanent paralysis in Kennedy. At the time, she lost the use of her legs and was admitted to the hospital. But, as she says with a big smile, 'As soon as I could walk again, I went right back to dancing.'
A Creative Household
Kennedy's love for dance stems from her creative upbringing. Her mother was an artist who studied in Paris, and her father was a singer. 'My father came to Canada with a Welsh Youth Choir and was a tenor soloist in our church choir,' she recalls. 'One of my favorite things to do was sit in the living room while my dad was practicing.'
At a young age, Kennedy and her three sisters were given the choice to take piano or dance lessons. Kennedy chose dance, explaining, 'If I hear music, I can't help but dance. It's my language.'
A Career in Dance
Throughout her youth, Kennedy's confidence grew, and she landed various positions performing in ballet and teaching the art form. In 1953, at age 17, she became the Assistant Ballet Mistress at the Canadian School of Ballet in Alberta, where she trained dancers and prepared repertoire.
A few years later, she performed with Manitoba's premier outdoor theater, Rainbow Stage, in the productions 'Bridgadoon' and 'The King and I.' One of her memorable scenes in 'The King and I' involved dancing on the edge of a tall platform, balancing close to the edge. 'It was lovely but kind of scary,' she recalls.
Teaching and Community Impact
By the 1980s, Kennedy was ready to focus more on teaching and stepped into various roles, teaching classes to youth, adults, and seniors in Penetanguishene, Midland, Orillia, Lafontaine, and Victoria Harbour. Her fitness and dance classes were held at places like the Georgian Manor, Bethel Baptist Church, Askennonia Senior Centre, and her own school, Diane School of Dance & Fitness.
Today, she teaches a fitness program at the Midland YMCA called 'On The Move,' which blends mobility and muscle-conditioning exercises done while sitting in a chair. Kennedy has been teaching the class since 2015, and it has become a wonderful community hub where everyone knows her name and looks forward to seeing her each week. Recently, she received a volunteer appreciation reward from the YMCA, celebrating her 15 years of volunteering.
A Message for Seniors
As she nears 90, Kennedy has no intention of hanging up her dancing shoes. 'I feel that the Lord has kept me here for a reason. I think it's to teach people to dance and to move,' she says confidently. She also feels certain that her fellow seniors should be keeping their bodies active, in whatever ways they can: 'Get out and get exercising. It doesn't matter which way you want to do it, just move!'
Controversy and Comment Hooks
While Kennedy's story is one of inspiration, it also raises questions about the impact of childhood illness on one's life path. Some may argue that polio could have ended her dance career before it even began. Others may wonder if her creative upbringing was a necessity for her passion for dance. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Kennedy's message for seniors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
