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Helene Dudin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Helene Dudin
Daniel Duell
July 22, 2024
I fondly recall Helene Dudin's constant presence in the halls of SAB. Although she did not teach any of my classes, I would observe parts of her classes from time to time, admiring her quick energy and attention to making basics clean and secure. She was an important contributor to the ascendancy of the School.
Bob Schiffmann
July 20, 2021
I was in the first class Ms Dudin taught at the SAB. She was a tough but fair teacher. I liked her a lot.
Rest in Peace
Sandra Gabriel-Gachelin
July 21, 2009
Madame Dudin was my favorite teacher. She always treated me with kindness. I attended SAB in the late 70's. I was the only minority in my class but I never felt any differently than anyone. She made everyone feel equally special. I will never forget her tenderness and her uplifting gaze.
God Bless her.
Rest in Peace.
Jennifer Kelley (Lock)
June 4, 2009
When most of my classmates groaned at Madame Dudin's difficult combinations and requirements for excellence and stamina, they did so only for a moment, knowing her kindness and love for us all. I so respected how Madame pushed us in class to practice at a higher level of difficulty such that would allow choreography for stage to be much "easier" by comparison. I've carried that learning experience throughout my non-dance life since I left s.a.b. in the early 80s. Much respect and love ...
Nicole Visconti-Improta
May 28, 2009
Madame Dudin was one of my first teachers at SAB. Her method of teaching was very similar to my first teacher, Madame Seda. This was comforting being in a new school with so many new people. Madame Dudin was one of the kindest, sweetest teachers at the school. She taught me a lot of things that I will carry with me forever. For such a tiny lady, she spoke volumes. She will be missed very, very much.
Elizabeth Gottlieb (Geyer)
January 16, 2009
I started ballet with Madame Dudin and Madame Tumkovsky at SAB. I was 8. Classes with Madame Dudin were the foundataion of the ballet technique I rely on today, as I teach and choreograph. I am so sad she has passed.
Jill (Alexander) Grundman
November 7, 2008
Madame Dudin was my first teacher at SAB in 1967. That year was a year of self awareness as never before, because of Madame Dudin's clear sight into the capabilities of her young students. Because of her, I grew to appreciate my own femininity as a ballet dancer, and most important of all,as a strong woman, for the two were interchangeable for Madame. She was the essence of demure feminine strength and capability. I also loved her dearly. We used to take the subway home together and chat, quite often over my 7 years in her classes at SAB. The qualities she nurtured in all of us are her legacy to us, whether we went on to great heights in the dance world or anywhere and any way in the world. My condolences to her family,even if they are so late. I am so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Ferrell-Wilson
August 16, 2008
I will always have such fond memories of Madame Dudin. She was a tough and exacting teacher but her kind demeanor and sweet voice kept us from getting too nervous or frustrated. When I picture her in class I always think of her saying "to corner, to back" while tiptoeing to the back of the room before showing some particularly grueling diagonal combination. She was the essence of femininity and grace and we are lucky to have had the chance to learn from her. My sincere condolences to her friends and family.
Merrill Ashley
August 4, 2008
Miss Dudin gave the first class I ever took at SAB in Children's IV. Her soft voice and accented English made it hard for me to understand what she was asking us to do, especially because she assumed I knew all the names of the steps and directions, which I didn't. But her patience, insistence on excellence, her disciplined approach to the difficulties of ballet and her love of the art shone through and helped me learn and catch up on the things I hadn't yet learned. I found her classes the hardest of any I ever took at SAB - even Tumey's classes were easier for me. But I loved the challenge and later appreciated the strength and mental fortitude they had developed in me. Her death marks the end of an era, but her influence will live on. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Julia Hilleary-Magdich
July 31, 2008
When I count my blessings, our daily life & teachers at SAB are amoung the most important. Our teachers taught us to dance in excellence of body & spirit. We saw daily how to live in excellence. Mme. Dudin always had a smile, a special look for each one, to acknowledge, correct, encourage, to show us the best we could do each day. We are all so fortunate to know there are no limits, or excuses, for anything less than our best. Each day in my teaching, words come out of my mouth that belong to our teachers. I feel them around me, I so appreciate the gift of their knowledge, so many gifts we all have waiting , ready to draw upon. Just this afternoon I was able to just smile at a young dancer when her pirouette came together. No words were needed, just one of Mme. Dudin's big smiles. Assurance that it will be there again. All the teachers did special things for me when I lost my Dad at 18. Mme. Dudin quietly took my hand as she passed me during plies, continued around the room and then came back to hold my hand again for the whole tendu combination. She gave my fingers a small squeeze with each count of the music, pumping courage, faith,and her beliefe in me, back into myself. She kept smiling at me, looking from our feet to my eyes, Letting me know I was where I belonged, and that I could succeed. She cared so much for us as people, She always had a moment to share, to show us just how to dance through this life. I shared her pictures from some books with my students, as with Tummey, Doubrovska, Stuart & Danilova. It's not much, Perhaps thats why those words, voices, counts and smiles just keep popping out when we need them most. I am sad that she is gone from us, But I know she is quite busy shaking hands with all her Dear Friends in heaven!
Maia Dunkel
July 31, 2008
Madame Dudin was a wonderful teacher. She was strict, but had a soft side. I remember one time I came to class on a rainy Saturday morning from Westchester and she praised me for coming to ballet class in such horrible weather. That made me feel good because I knew she was proud of me. I will always remember Madame Dudin!
Marcus Galante
July 30, 2008
Madame Dudin was not my teacher as I was in the boys class. Many years later, when I played the piano at SAB occasionally for class between ballet and jazz teaching gigs, I worked with her. She taught children and I, wanting to please her, played a big Russian repertoire...loud and full...finally she came up to me and said.."too big...music too strong..." and smiled...she was very sweet and I laughed and made it less "strong". I only worked with her a couple of times but she was always gracious and lovely...
Susan Freedman Londoner
July 30, 2008
Like many others, at the age of seven, I too, had my very first ballet class at SAB with Madame Dudin. What could have been a frightening experience was made wonderful and magical by the sweetness of this soft-spoken, wonderful woman. Yes she was tough, yet she was clear and precise. Madame was meticulously thorough, yet warm and gracious, all-seeing yet inspirational and always kind. She was a teacher that not only taught me to dance, but to LOVE to dance. Madame Dudin was the essence of femininity, and I believe we women learned as much from this aspect of her presence as from any steps she helped us to perfect. I will forever see her sweet, turned out, silent walk down the hallways of SAB in my minds eye, and her kind and authentic smile will remain a treasured memory in my mind and soul.
My love and empathy go out to her family. We have all lost someone very special and dear to our hearts.
Arilda Elskus Densch
July 30, 2008
Madame Dudin and Madame Tumkovsky taught my first classes at SAB in the 60's. I was so scared but Madame Dudin's sweet smile and the loving twinkle is her eye made it OK. She had a gift of making every student feel she cared especially for them and was loved. Since I was so young then, both these women seemed like grandmothers to me when I started, so I was stunned to find them both still joyfully teaching, with as much vigor if not more, when I went back to observe class about 10 years ago. Madame Dudin was a wonderful woman and teacher, much admired and loved. My sympathies to her family and to SAB.
Sakiko Yamagata
July 30, 2008
Mme. Dudin was such a sweet lady - she didn't say much but there was this grace about her that radiated warmth whenever she came into the classroom. I will always remember how she gave the class a list of steps to laminate and bring to class every day - she would then take 10 minutes at the end of each class to pick students to demonstrate the steps... she will be dearly missed.
Kristina Fernandez Rask
July 30, 2008
Ms. Dudin had a way of making her students feel special. She was very sweet and quiet, almost speaking in a whisper when giving us combinations, and yet we knew that she expected our very best. We always watched her in a hushed awe of admiration as she passed us in the halls and we never failed to comment on her amazing calf muscles, which we all wished we had! I will remember her fondly and I send my condolences to her family and friends.
Tara Mora
July 30, 2008
Madame Dudin was one of my very first teachers at SAB, when I was 9 years old. I always loved her sweet demeanor and the pride she took in each and everyone of her students. She always had a pleasant smile on her face and was such a beautiful presence in the studio...with her pearl necklace, matching leotard and skirt outfits and perfectly coiffed hair. I can still picture her demonstrating her combinations. I am deeply saddend by her passing and want to extend my condolences to her family and friends. I was so fortunate to have her as my teacher.
Daphne (Falcone) Hargrove
July 30, 2008
I was eight years old when I started at SAB in the First Division, and plenty nervous about what to expect. Madame Dudin was my very first teacher and I was so grateful for her gentle nature and warm attitude. From that very first class to the day I was offered my first job with Miami City Ballet, she was always so supportive and encouraging. She taught me discipline and perseverance throughout my 10 years at SAB, and always managed to do it with spirit, compassion and kindness. I loved her dearly and am honored to have had her as a teacher. My heart goes out to her family. She will really be missed.
Sandra Jennings
July 29, 2008
I have wonderful memories of Dudin from my years in the school. 1971-1974. Her soft spoken demands that got our immediate attention! The 16 rondejambes en l'air endehor and endedans and then on relavee. Wow! She was tough but we loved her! She always dressed beautifully! I loved her pearls.
She and Tumi taught my son Alex and he loved them. He respected how much they demanded of him!
It truly is an end of an era. I miss all of my teachers form SAB but I carry them with me everyday. I send my deepest sympathy to her family and hope they will find comfort in the love from all of her students! Sandy Jennings
Rhodie Jorgenson
July 29, 2008
Mme. Dudin was my first teacher at SAB. She was so lovely - and seemed to have strength of steel under that lovely, feminine exterior. She was gentle yet demanding in her approach, and never expected anything but one's best work. A very special lady who shared with others what she loved.
Linda MacArthur Miele
July 29, 2008
I often think of Madame Dudin as I teach my own students. She had the perfect fifth position, respect for her art, and a quiet manner that made us want to be better for her. My love and gratitude to the family.
Katherine Healy
July 29, 2008
I said a prayer for Miss Dudin when I was in the studio today. She was such a wonderful teacher and a lovely lady, always very kind to me, and indeed, sweet and tolerant with all the students. She also had a wonderful sense of humor. She made all those tendues seem like fun! My deepest condolences and sympathy to Miss Dudin's family and friends, and most especially to the School.
Gavin Larsen
July 29, 2008
Madame Dudin taught the very first class I ever took at SAB. I was the only new student in a class of seasoned Fourth-Divisioners, and at the start of the class she took my hand and led me to my place at barre, making me feel like I belonged already. As unfailingly sweet and demure as her demeanor was, her standards were incredibly high and her class extremely demanding-- she coaxed us to new heights of effort through her gentle, but firm, urgings. A word of praise from Madame Dudin left me flying high and newly reinspired to keep pushing onward and working harder. I will never, ever forget Madame Dudin and her quiet strength and beauty.
Silvia Wolff
July 29, 2008
Mme. Dudin was always so sweet and delicate. I remember coming from Brazil and going into her class to feel so welcome and at home.She made her students feel secure even when faced with the toughest chalenges. I'll always remember her with love and joy. She will be missed.
Elisabeth Holowchuk
July 29, 2008
My mother and I would often run into Madame Dudin riding the subway on our way to class. I found her to be a very warm, caring teacher with a wonderful mix of delicateness and strength. Years later when I was no longer in her class, but would see her in the hallways of the school, she would stop me and ask me how my mother was doing. She remembered riding the subway with us after all that time. We've lost a truly wonderful, beautiful woman.
Connie Hochman
July 29, 2008
Mme Dudin was my teacher from Third Division (1964) on, as well as my daughter's teacher. My SAB friends and I lovingly recall her calm, clear, chirp-like
voice which commanded instant respect and 100% dedication from even the youngest of children. She always acknowledged a new bow in my hair and our efforts to meet her highest standards. With a few staccato utterances and minimal demonstration, she conveyed to us what ballet is all about - that it is serious, beautiful, an art form, a privilege. She will live on through all of us who love her.
Colleen Neary
July 29, 2008
Mme. Dudin was one of my first teachers at SAB and I dearly loved her throughout my years of study there. She was petite, with a quiet voice and sooo tough in her classes and exercises. She was sincerely gracious and wonderful, and I will never forget what she gave to me me and what I learned from her.
With sympathy and much love,
Colleen Neary
Los Angeles Ballet
Daniel Duell
July 29, 2008
Although I never took class from Mme. Dudin, I watched her intermittently over many years impart her wisdom with patience and dignity to her young students. She is among those who laid the foundation that SAB carries on to this day, and for that she holds a special place in SAB's history, and in our hearts.
Angela Colt
July 29, 2008
I remember first meeting Mme Dudin at the audition for SAB when the school was in the Julliard building. She taught me first in the 1st division, when she strived to get us to understand ballet terms by keeping a little notebook. She used to tap my toes with her stick to get me to turn out more. I was always delighted by her kindness, and I am so sad to hear of her death. She was one of the reasons I came to love ballet as much as I do now.
Stephanie Sorine
July 29, 2008
I'll never forget Madame Dudin's amazing blend of kindness and unrelentless demand for perfection. I have taken her lessons about striving to exceed your best throughout my life. I'm sure she's dancing her way through the heavens inspiring everyone she gracefully touches.
Lisa de Ribere
July 29, 2008
What I remember about Mme. Dudin particularly is her tiny voice, tiny feet and bouffant hair. Everything about her was petite and ladylike, and very neat. Her eyes were bright and often full of compassion, especially if Tumey was tough on us. But Dudin was pretty tough herself, and meticulous as well. She is the last of the core generation of teachers at SAB, and it feels like an era has now come to a close. I miss them all but they will never be forgotten.
Sandra Gabriel-Gachelin
July 29, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Helene Dudin was my favorite ballet teacher. She was warm, caring and she made dancing joyful. She brought out the best in me. She made her students feel like they were the best dancers in the world.
I really loved her. She will be missed.
Amy Foster-Berntsen
July 29, 2008
I have great memories of Madame Dudin teaching my sister Laurel and me at SAB. She was always so patient and seemed to really enjoy our presence. She was a wonderful, kind soul and she is greatly missed. Love and Peace to her family and friends.
Penelope (Penny) Gates Nyfenger
July 29, 2008
Deepest sympathy to relatives and friends. As one of the original 15 Ford Foundation students, I was delighted to have Mme. Dudin as a teacher and even more, as a friend. We were all so young and those were such tremendously formative years. She was there for all of us. Peace be with you.
Julianna Kim
July 29, 2008
Madam Dudin shaped me to be who I am today-With her dedication, warmth, patience and tender firmness she was a remarkable person and instructor. I will miss her dearly.
Leeza Behar Glatzer
July 29, 2008
Madame Dudin was one of the most sincere, delicate, elegant and delightfully as well as shockingly difficult teachers I've ever had...and every class was a wonderful challenge. I will always remember her attention to detail, the nuances of our movements and positions, her perfume, and dainty frame. She would always seem to know my mood even when I would try to hide it, and she would cheer me up with her gentle touch and endearing smile. She will be sorely missed. I'm honored to have been one of her students. My deepest sympathies go out to her family...Her legacy will continue to live on!
Janet Arons-Schultze
July 29, 2008
Madam Dudin was my first teacher at SAB. She and Madam Tumkovsky were so fantastic, strict but loving. Mr. Balanchine selected me to be the bunny in Nutcracker because of them. And they were instrumental in my getting the Ford Foundation Scholarships for both SAB and PCS. I will always cherish my dancing day memories, first at the 82nd Street location and then at Juilliard. I loved her and miss them all.
Laura Naaz (Ederer Schwartz)
July 29, 2008
Mme Dudin was a wonderful teacher. Quiet, patient and loving, but boy she could give a tough class!! She taught me how to focus and to pay attention to the small details of my movements. I was a student at SAB from '78-'89 and she was a constant in my life. I still can remember her voice to this day. Mme Dudin will be missed and she will live on through all the dancers she helped shape and nurture.
Hillary Taylor
July 29, 2008
Madam Dudin taught me for several years in the late 50's. I will always remember her perfume and how sweet and tough she was all at the same time.I do remember her well and will always have fond memories of her.
Pascale van Kipnis
July 29, 2008
I loved Madame Dudin very much as a teacher. She always patted my head after I did something she liked (like getting my leg higher in arabesque). She was so sweet and a wonderful teacher. I had the honor of having her as a teacher starting from the age of 8. I will remember her always and am very sad to hear that she has passed. All my sympathies to her family and friends.
Bob Schiffmnn
July 29, 2008
I believe I was in the first class that Mme Dudin taught at the SAB. She was my regular teacher after that. She was very demanding but a good teacher and a nice person. There were rumors among the boys that she could do double tours and all the things we were supposed to do. If she could, they only remained as rumors.
July 28, 2008
I first met Ms. Dudin when I was only five years old. My sister was a student at SAB at the time. She would always speak to me in the SAB hallways and ask me if I wanted to a ballerina one day too. I later became a SAB student myself and she would often tell the other students and teachers how she had known me since I was little and how grown up I had become. She was not only an amazing teacher but a loving woman who seemed to delight in watching me grow from the "little sister" into a "ballerina". Generations of SAB students will miss her greatly.
John Chiapuris
July 27, 2008
Ms Dudin was one of my teachers at SAB in the fifities, an inspirational teacher whom I remember with kindness.
Tobi Tobias
July 27, 2008
Helene Dudin taught my daughter, Anne Tobias, at SAB in the early 70s. She was a gentle teacher, with great empathy for her students--a delight to know and learn from.
Elizabeth Munch
July 27, 2008
Madame Dudin taught me and my sister in the 60s and my children several years ago. She was a lovely woman, and a great teacher. SAB won't be the same without her and Tumie.
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