Amelia Jackson

Amelia Jackson, 1988

Henrietta Amelia "Amelia" Jackson (nee Redden) (2 October 1904 - 20 December 1990) was a dance instructor who lived her whole life in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Amelia founded the Dance Centre of Northwestern Ontario (DCNO), one of the first dance studios in the city, and ran it for over 70 years. She was also a founding member of the Northwestern Ontario Ballet Guild and an honorary member of the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association.

Early life

Amelia was born on 2 October 1904 in Port Arthur, Ontario, one of seven children born to John B. Redden and Mary Henrietta Jeffs. John was a teacher at the Shuniah Mines; later the first manager of King grain elevator. [6]

Amelia grew up in the wake of the biggest boom time for the city and may have learned ballet during the Great War from Thunder Bay's first serious dance teacher, Grace Ensworth (born 1894), who moved from England to the Lakehead. [2]

Marriage and family

Amelia married Maurice Jackson in 1929. Her husband was a passionate entrepreneur and musician, and together they organized a music shop, dance studio, "Kiltie Band", "Fort William Girls Military Band", and the "Great Lakes Girls' Orchestra". At the height of the Great Depression, they toured in a bus with a twenty-piece band across Canada and the Northern USA, recalled Gladys Sands (born 1923), who sang with the troupe. [7]

Maurice and Amelia Jackson, 1935. [10]

In 1938 the Jacksons had a son, also called Maurice: Maurice Henry Jackson (1938 - 2013). Her son had no issue.

Wartime contributions

The Jacksons' band entertains returning troops at the CPR depot, circa 1945. [10]

"One of the proudest moments we had was when we met the first hospital train returning from overseas with invalids during the Second World War," Jackson related to the Chronicle-Journal in a profile in 1988. [6]

On V-J Day, at 11:00, 14 August 1945, one of the largest crowds ever to assemble gathered at the CPR depot, the Times-News reported, led by the Fort William Girls' Military Band. The veterans were given a rousing reception, and the troops declared it one of the finest welcomes they had ever received. [6,9]

The Postwar era: Dance in focus

In the years after WWII, Amelia's side of the business, involving serious dance instruction, began to flourish. The musical side of their lively business lost prominence and may have ended entirely after Maurice tragically died in 1957.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Jackson began to rely heavily on a young man, a promising young dancer from Atikokan, Don McKinnon (born circa 1940). Don became a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)-certified ballet teacher and her second-in-command at the studio. Together they taught Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and other styles, bringing famous dancers such as Al Gilbert of Hollywood, California to administer exams at the end of each semester. [11]

Another devoted student was Leslie Almgren (nee Niro), who joined Don on Saturdays to practice at Vickers Heights Community Centre in the 1950s. Barbara Towell's mother accompanied them on the piano. The most successful student from this era was Rosalie Brake (Dicks), who danced with the National Ballet of Canada. [4,5]

The 1970s

Programme and news article, circa June 1975. [3]

The 1970s were a prosperous and memorable time at the close-knit studio for many current residents of Thunder Bay. The studio was "very strict yet rewarding," according to former student Karen Peltonen. Mrs. Jackson had a faculty of eight in those days, which included Don McKinnon, Barbara Ann Munson, Mary Evans, Marg Hadland, Leslie Almgren, and Leslie Hunt. [3]

"I loved my ballet classes with Amelia. She was strict and exacting, expecting her students to do their best but always had a warm smile to greet us," recalled former 1970s student Stacey Cham-Klein. [2]

During this time, she must have had an intense rivalry with fellow Ensworth pupil, Sylvia Horn (1914-2005), a tap specialist 10 years her junior and organizer of the 1956-1972 Chapples Department Store Christmas dance shows. Her other competition in this era included Anna Pozihun (1929-2006), baton specialist Ethel Markall, and Fay Gleeson. Mrs. Jackson differentiated her studio by offering the highest level of difficulty and intensity of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz instruction possible. [2]

"Tough as nails"

DCNO (right), 912 Donald Street East, as it appeared on Google Street View in August 2009

Mrs. Jackson continued to teach into her old age at her studio, which by the 1980s was located at 912 Donald Street East. "She always walked with a cane, but she would still stand up and demonstrate if she was really frustrated with us," recalled Barbara Towell, who was a teacher in the late 1980s at the studio. "She would sit in her green leather armchair and lead the class while an instructor demonstrated the syllabus and technique. She was strict and expected excellence," recalled Manuela Michelizzi. [4,5]

She was deeply religious, believing that those "who accept the laws of God who will survive" and prosper. In 1988 she cited her favourite activity besides teaching was "reading about the achievements of past students." [6]

"Mrs. Jackson passed away when I was 9 years old, but I still have very fond and vivid memories of her," recalled Michelizzi. "My fondest memory of her was one Saturday afternoon while I was waiting for my class to begin, she asked me to come over to the little window that separated the waiting area and the studio office, and she asked me to promise her that I would never quit dancing. She said I was naturally talented and a hard worker and that she was proud of my progress. I have continued to dance and am going on my 33rd year." [5]

She was an instructor of the Imperial Dance Society system for 25 years. [6]

Death

Death of Don McKinnon

On 19 November 1989, Don, her star pupil, died in a car crash. "Mrs. J was still teaching when Don passed away. It was so so tough on her. She just soldiered on and had been teaching all along," recalled Towell. "Don was like a son to Mrs. Jackson; in my eyes he was." [4]

Mrs. Jackson finished that 1989-1990 year and began the next one.

Death of Amelia

Amelia died in hospital on 20 December 1990 at age 86. "Her passing was quite a blow to the studio," recalled Michelizzi. "We were all in shock, even though we knew she was not well." [5]

She was buried in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery. [1]

She was not buried with her husband, who was buried in Pickering, near his place of birth, as evidenced by his tombstone.

The 1990s: The studio lives on

The studio was taken over by Leslie Almgren in the interim and her daughter Gina Almgren (born 1967) took over shortly thereafter. [5]

Leslie and Gina rallied the studio to finish the 1989-1990 season and continued to run it for nine additional seasons. Gina, mentored by Al Gilbert, "revolutionized the studio and provided us with countless opportunities to grow," recalled Michelizzi. [5]

In the 1990s, the studio's dancers, trained in the Cecchetti method by elite teachers Carol Giddings of the UK and ballet mistress Chiara Richmond, dominated in ballet categories in competitions across the United States. [5]

Gina choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies of the March 1995 Nordic World Ski Championships in Thunder Bay, which involved one hundred dancers from across the region. Following this, with Chiara she produced and directed high-profile Nutcracker performances at Thunder Bay Community Auditorium each Christmas from 1996 to 1999. [5]

The staff from this era included Michelizzi, Natalie Doyle, Kerri Gammond, Karen Kruger, Heather Syvitski, Cathy Wazinski, Shannon Creedon, Amanda Cervi, and Tina Viera. [5]

The end of the studio

After Gilbert's final exams on 26 April 2000, and the May 2000 end-of-season recital, Gina, then aged 32, sent a letter to her students explaining that she had decided to close the studio and pursue her career in California, where she spent many summers over the years. [5,12]

"The closure of the studio came as a complete shock," recalled Michelizzi. "I personally had a very hard time accepting it and grieved the loss of the studio." (Gina became an event planner and in 2009, was initiated into a multi-level marketing program called "Modern Mystery School.") [5,12]

Legacy

Linda Kearns, who began dance at age 7 with Mrs. Jackson and is now at Brandon School of Dance, states that "it was Amelia who instilled in her not only the love of dance, but the discipline and work ethic needed not only in the world of dance but in life in general. Amelia encouraged [a] love of teaching, performing, and choreographing." [13]

The legacy of Amelia Jackson and her fellow teachers lives on in the thousands of students who learned the pleasure of dance, and how to be disciplined in the pursuit of excellence.

Obituary

JACKSON — Mrs. Amelia Jackson, age 86 years, of 438 North Brodie Street died in hospital December 20, 1990.

Born in Port Arthur, Amelia was a lifetime resident of the city. She was a founding member of the Northwestern [Ontario] Ballet Guild, a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, and St. Patrick's Cathedral and Catholic Women's League. Her whole life from early years until now, she was heavily involved in dancing, teaching, and promotion of dance.

Survived by her son Maurice, at home, sister Mrs. Stella Peake, Dyers Bay, Ontario [presumably this very small community of about 30 houses in Bruce Country, Ontario, 45°09'47.0"N 81°20'15.0"W]; brother Phillip Redden, Thunder Bay; other relatives also survive. Predeceased by her parents; Husband Maurice; sisters Theresa and Etta, brother Jim and Dan Redden.

Funeral services will be held on Monday morning when friends and family will gather for funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Patrick's Cathedral [built in 1963, replacing the old one built 1893; https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ca/parish-history/ just a few steps from the dance studio down the street] celebrated by Rev. P.M. Stilla [Pasquale "Pat" M. Stilla, Reverend of the Cathedral from 1989 - 1995 and 2004 - at least 2024]. Interment will be in the family plot in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Removal will be made from the Blake Funeral Chapel prior to mass time. Prayers will be offered on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel. Memorials to the North Western Ontario Ballet Guild [yet another misspelling of the name] would be appreciated.

— Chronicle-Journal, 21 December 1990. [8]

1988 Senior Salute interview

Two years before her death she participated in a short article published in the local newspaper which gave a potted biography and her perspective on some topics.

Senior Salute

Amelia Jackson (nee Redden)

BORN: Oct. 2, 1904.

BIRTHPLACE: Port Arthur, Ont.

HOW LONG IN THUNDER BAY AREA?: Outside of a few years, all her life.

FAMILY: She is the daughter of John and Mary Redden. He was a teacher at the Shuniah Mines; later first manager of King grain elevator. She married Maurice Jackson in 1929. He died in 1957. She has one son Maurice.

OCCUPATION: Dance instructor.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Founder of the Northwestern Ontario Ballet Guild, a member of St. Patrick's Cathedral and honorary member of the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association. Instructor of the Imperial Dance Society system for 25 years.

PROUDEST MOMENT: "One of the proudest moments we had was when we met the first hospital train returning from overseas with invalids during the Second World War. Another was my first graduate who graduated from the Imperial Dance Society. They said it couldn't be done in a small town like this."

BIGGEST CHANGE IN SOCIETY: "The growth of knowledge of today's children. That surprises me more than anything."

INTERESTS AND FAVORITE [sic] PASTIMES: Reading about the achievements of past students.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE CHANGED IN SOCIETY: "More honesty."

VIEWS ON TODAY'S YOUTH: "Well, I think they go off on a money-track mind. I think they are spoiled to the degree that they think the world is made of money and if they want anything, the government should put their hands in their pockets and give it to them."

MOST EXCITING EVENT IN HISTORY: "The first time we had an audition with the National Ballet of Canada and one of my students got accepted." [The student was Rosalie Brake (Dicks)]

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF MANKIND: "I feel the ones who are going to survive are the ones who accept responsibility. The ones who are living wild lives will not survive. They have to recognize the fact there is something above their greediness, pettiness, money and lying to get what they want. It's the people who are even-headed and who accept the laws of God who will survive."

— Chronicle Journal, 23 June 1988. Senior Salute: Amelia Jackson (nee Redden) [6]

Fort William Girls Marching Band members (1930s – 1940s)

Catherine Johnson, Sophie Kowalski, Anne Kowalski, Josephine Kowalski, Ethyl Round, Milly Porter, Lily David, Eileen Bangs, Marguerite Moors, Kay Baker, Elsie O'Kanski, Kay Oram, Margaret Peterson, Joan Allen, Suzanne Ganja, Joan Brassard, Gladys Smith, Shirley D'arcy, June D'arcy, Thelma McCoy, Dorothy McCoy, Margaret Doak, Shirley Killbank, Gertie Niefiadomy, Mildred McMartin, Geraldine Hogan, Doreen Hebert, Irene Bodnar, Geraldine Alexander, Johanna Phillips, Mable Kirk, Mina Kirk, Shirley Colvin, Eileen Bodnar, Vera Denby, Elsa Anderson, Taimi Euren, Shirley Plater, Betty Wright, B. Killban, Ethel Duffield. [10]

Students and teachers of the Dance Centre of Northwestern Ontario (circa 1972)

Marg Hadland, Mary Evans CDTA, Barbara Ann Buie, Ilga Suseklis, Debra Lee Bechta, Cynthia Arnoth, Laura Chocorlan, Terri Dickson, Deanna Dzuirda, Laura Fontaine, Tanya Gloster, Christina Hiscox, Shannon Hogan, Shawn Mogus, Tanya Rimanich, Robyn Sitar, Candace Wiwcharyk, Tara Albertson, Stephanie Childerhose, Karen Eryou, Emily Hamill, Sherry Neil, Trina Neil, Judie Sarake, Natalie Bailey, Diane Heikkila, Barbara Prontack, Genevieve Pylypchuk, Kim Tobin, Barbara + Pamela Towell, Wendy White, Timothea Wiwcharyk, Gina Almgren, Bernadette Baleo, Susan Rombach, Carla Stoppel, Lisa Ventrudo, Todd Farmer, Sandra Gammond, Rhonda Lee Jacobsen, Charmainc Jonasson, Erica Henley, Pamela Kerr, Karen-Lynn Kruger, Amber Stockla, Amanda Vondette, Michelle Vought, Cara Yaraab, Christine Arnold, Jennifer Cooper, Christine Dietrick, Connie Duncan, Kyna Hamill, Allison McLullen, Jennifer Shadbolt, Christine Wright, Sandra Wright, Heather Almgren, Jolene Monty, Spanish Senoritas - Margaret Elkin, Anne-Marie Gilbert, Tammy Gilbert, Jodi Hazuda, Tina Perzan, Shannon Tobin, Christi Webb, Tammy Will, Lisa Corcoron, Trisha Gammond, Adrienne Rucchin, Jessica Seagris, Stephanie Vrablik, Tracy-Lynne Wagner, Gine Almgrcn, Kim Maroon, Carla Stoppel, Lisa Ventrudo, Natalie Bailey, Diane Heikkila, Barbara Prontack, Genevieve Pylypchuk, Kimberly Tobin, Barbara Towell, Pamela Towell, Wendy White, Timothea Wiwcharyk, Suham Alexander, Heather Almgren, Andrea Andrews, Elizabeth Andrews, Cynthia Arnoth, Pamela Bodnar, Tammy Brassord, Karen Campbell, Susan Campbell, Lisa Childerhose, Rex-Anne Choquette, Tanya Gloster, Stacie Joseph, Jolene Monty, Sherill Oleski, Tanya Rimanich, Janet Segat, Lisa Stanchuk, Kin Tocheri, Deanna Tonkin, Karen Wallace, Gina Almgren, Leslie Almgren, Debbie Ball, Christine Barett, Debra-Lee Bechta, Pat Dioguerdi, Rhonda Karam, Annette Laprade, Kim Parson, Diane Mayor, Lisa Moodie, Debbie Seagris, Anna-Marie Sklazeski, Carla Stoppel, Ann Stoyka, Wendy Strachan, Ilga Suskelis, Sherry Toms, Lisa Ventrudo, Lou Woit, Lauren Berry, Carol Zonneveld, Tara Albertson, Christine Arnold, Stephanie Childerhose, Jennifer Cooper, Christine Dietrick, Connie Duncan, Karen Eryou, Emily Hamill, Kyna Hamill, Allison McLullen, Samantha Ridley, Judie Saraka, Jennifer Shadbolt, Christine Wright, Sandra Wright, Debra-Lee Bechta, Susan Campbell, Laura Chocorlan, Roxanne Choquette, Amy Doyle, Deanna Dzuirda, Lisa Fero, Shannon Hogan, Christina Hiscox, Shawn Magus, Jolene Monty, Robyn Sitar, Robin Taylor, Suham Alexander, Erica Arnoth, Marika Arnoth, Pamela Bodnar, Karen Campbell, Dawn Coulter, Lisa Jardine, Stacie Joseph, Sherill Oleski, Janet Segat, Lisa Stanchuk, Leslie Almgren, Ann Stoyka, Wendy Strechan, Collin Choquette, Edward Henley, Anna Marie Sklazesld, Debra-Lee Bechta, Lauren Berry, Rhonda Karam, Debbie Seagris, Ann Stoyka, Ilga Suskelis, Carol Zonneveld, Pamela Bodnar, Karen Campbell, Corrine Choquett. [3]

"Fort Dance" students in April 2000

Katie Blais, Jazmine Gauthier, Borka Gauthier, Michele Gilbert, Kathryn Pierroz, Susan Ploegman, Jennifer Coats, Armando Gauthier, Joelle Barron, Jazmine Gauthier, Riley Keast, Jenna Nowak, Lauren Krueger, Brooke Fontana, Pam Cherry, Borka Gauthier, Armando Gauthier, Michele Gilbert. [12]

Sources

[1] https://curriepedia.mywikis.wiki/wiki/Amelia_Jackson

[2] https://curriepedia.mywikis.wiki/wiki/Dance_Centre_of_Northwestern_Ontario

[3] Karen Peltonen (nee Campbell)

[4] Barbara Towell

[5] Manuela Michelizzi

[6] Chronicle-Journal, 23 June 1988. "Senior Salute: Amelia Jackson (nee Redden)"

[7] The Jacksons of Fort William, by Harvey L. Smyth. In the Brodie Special Collections.

[8] Chronicle-Journal, 21 December 1990. Obituary, Amelia Jackson.

[9] Times-News Chronicle, 16 August 1945. "Gay Throngs Greet Train with Wounded".

[10] https://www.fortwilliamgirlsmilitaryband.ca/

[11] Chronicle-Journal, 21 November 1989. Obituary, Don McKinnon.

[12] Fort Frances News, 16 April 2000.

[13] https://brandonschoolofdance.ca/faculty/

[14] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/261427402/maurice-percival-jackson

[15] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142908051/amelia-jackson

[16] Currie, Michael B. "A life devoted to dance" (a biography of Thunder Bay's Amelia Jackson). Bayview Magazine, 23 September 2023. [2]