Amory E. Oliver

Miss Oliver taught ballroom dancing at the officers club at Fort Sam Houston during the 50's. As one of her students, I have relied on what she taught me since that time. Graceful in motion and in spirit, she was important in my life in more ways than just the foxtrot, waltz, samba, Cha Cha, and the ever-popular Lindy Hop. She taught me how important it is to do everything possible to assure that your partner is uplifted by your presence. (Partner, in her terms meant anyone and everyone around us, at all times.) She was a foundational force in my life.

I was so sorry to see this notice when on a whim I searched Google for Amory Oliver who had taught me ballroom dance in the 1960's. She was such a nice and patient teacher. I always think fondly of her and her dance classes. She was such a saint to put up with classes of middle school students who had no idea how to ballroom dance. We were able to go to dances after that without embarrassing ourselves. May she rest in peace!

Miss Oliver was one of the most important persons in my young life. I began ballet with her at age 4 (I still remember my first class!) until age 13, but later continued dance in college and became a professional modern dancer and teacher. She gave me such a strong foundation, and embodied excellence in every way. I was so incredibly lucky to have studied with her!

Ms Oliver gave me the gift of dance. A gift that swoops me up and transforms me in a moment to a place and feeling of all-encompassing joy. An escape, a therapy, a way of expressing and living the music. I thanked her often and told her she was such a huge part of my childhood, adulthood, and my life. Thank God my Mom took me to ballet instead of Kindergarten. I started classes at 5 yrs old and continued with Ms Oliver for 13 years. She listened to boyfriend woes, college plans, marriage plans, came to weddings and parents funerals if she was in town. She met my children and kept up with their lives and called and wrote when she still could. I could never find a Ballet teacher in Dallas like her. I dance at home frequently and always think of her. One card I sent her had Ralph Waldo Emerson's writing that ends with to know even one life has breathed easier because you have livedthis is to have succeeded. trying once again to tell her how much I appreciated her influence on my life. I could never tell her that enough. She wrote WowEmerson. I miss her face, her voice, her laugh and smile, and how she said my name. I smile thinking of class and her stick and how she said jello as she pointed to areas that weren't correctly firm on our body! Dance away, Ms Oliver and thank you again and again and again. Love you so.

As one her students from the 60's , I enjoyed her classes very much. She was an excellent teacher.

When I think of Aunt Amory I 1st recall her lyrical laughter and how much fun she and her siblings and friends shared over many years. As others have written here, I benefited in various ways from the discipline and standards she expected in ballet and ballroom classes. I still enjoy dancing weekly to this day, thanks to her! She was devoted to her family, made careful decisions, and was a true lady while being a strong and competent woman before others knew how. Aunt Amory set a good example in many ways, and I will always be grateful.

Nance', what great memories I have of dancing and getting to wear my mouton coat! I think of you and your girls often and what great times we used to have. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Miss Oliver's constant love, patience and acceptance instilled in me her passion and discipline to put forth my best effort. When Amory allowed me to take extra classes with the older girls and answer the phone in her waiting room, I felt so special. With the fondest of memories, Miss Oliver's influence is part of the person I am today. Miss Oliver, when we meet again God willing, I look forward to taking your classes.

I can't even imagine how many young ladies and gentlemen she taught how to dance. She taught us to be graceful and poised all to the beat of a tapping stick. A beautiful lady inside and out.

http://barrybrake.blogspot.com/2016/05/farewell-miz-oliver.html

So MANY of us had the shared experience of ballroom dancing with Amory Oliver. Friendships were forged and we all danced a little more confidently at our weddings thanks to her. What a lovely lady she was.