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 Roller-Coaster
to Retirement
By Shelia Vaught
The emotional ride to a planned life change
I always thought I would know when the time came to retire. I
knew that my studio, Little Rock [AR] School of Dance, which
had been such a dominant part of my life for 31 years, could
continue to be successful and play a positive role in the
lives of young people if I left it in competent and ambitious
hands. With that in mind, my goal was to leave at the top of
my game. Over the last few years I worked with that goal in
mind.
My principal teacher, who had been with me as a student and
teacher for more than 20 years, was interested in buying the
business, so we worked together to find a way to make that
happen. It is so much easier to leave a life’s work if you
know that it will be continued with the same care and
competence you have put into it. The studio was always
successful financially, so the plan was to allow a transition
that would not jeopardize that success.
Of course, what I did not (and could not) anticipate was the
emotional aspect of separation. As we worked toward a plan for
the sale, it became harder and harder to keep it a secret. I
knew that if the students, parents, and teachers were aware
that I was planning to leave before we had a firm deal for the
sale, the whole year would be in turmoil. Therefore, we
proceeded with preparations for the annual recital as
naturally as possible. As the recital approached and the sale
negotiations were solidifying, my thoughts were more and more
on the past and what a great life I had had in the dance
business.
When the time came to make the impending sale public, the
moment was overwhelming. I first told my teachers, most of
whom I had taught since they were little girls. Tears were
shed all around and some were, at first, somewhat put off by
the surprise of it all. But all were supportive of my
decision, and all agreed that after 31 years I deserved to
relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Telling the students
was something else.
I sent out a letter to all of my students and parents and the
response was so supportive. All
were sad, but they knew how much of my life I had devoted to
the school and how
much I loved them. But we still had a recital to put on, and
the work could not stop. Unfortunately, neither could the
emotional roller coaster.
Each day in class, as the recital approached, tears were shed
and memories were retrieved. Students who had been there for
years and those who were in their first year were alike in
their outpouring of love and support. I knew I had made the
right decision, but it was getting harder and harder to accept
it each day. But the show must go on, and it did.
The final week of rehearsals for the recital became the week
of “lasts.” The last meeting of each class I taught, the last
run-through for the recital dances, the last payroll for the
teachers, the last time I would answer the phone by saying,
“Little Rock School of Dance.” Each “last” brought new waves
of emotion, and each meant that a new avenue of my life was
opening. As the recital grew nearer, a calm came over me. I
knew it was finally time.
I think dress rehearsal may have been the hardest time. I had
presided over 30 previous recitals and dress rehearsals at the
same civic auditorium, and the magnificence of the occasion
was almost too much. Each student in each dance during that
rehearsal seemed to be the one that I was waiting for. Each
was special and meaningful. When I made it through the
rehearsal, a great load was lifted from my shoulders. Again I
knew my decision was right.
Recital day came, and in all of my years as a school owner, no
recital went better. Although there was much hugging and
crying backstage, everyone did their job and the show was
perfect. The teachers danced a tribute to me that I did not
know was coming, and after the show another video tribute was
shown. There w ere
no dry eyes in the house. The teachers and my family threw a
great after-recital retirement party
for me, where more praise and accolades were sent my way. I
commented that I would have
retired years ago if I had known how much attention I would
receive!
But now life goes on. Retirement will never be sitting in a
rocking chair and admiring the view for me. In the past few
years I have developed a new business as a wedding planner and
coordinator, starting as a part-time service for my church. My
new life is starting to take off and I look forward to many
productive years. But I will always be a dancer, at least in
spirit, and I will continue to be active in the Southern
Association of Dance Masters.
I can never express how much the last 31 years have meant to
me and to my family. We are truly blessed to have been in
association with the thousands of students, parents, and
dancers who have gone through this studio. I leave with
complete peace of mind and confidence that the school will
continue to flourish and that dance will continue to be a
positive factor in the lives of young people in this country.
Photo captions (from top to bottom):
Shelia Vaught bids farewell to her studio, Little Rock School
of Dance.
Shelia Vaught (right) at her retirement party, with (from
left) her husband, Judge Larry Vaught, and daughters, Sherry
Kuebler and Ashley Dixon.
Vaught presents the last trophy of her teaching career to her
granddaughter, Lenzy Kuebler.
All photos courtesy Shelia Vaught
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