Deirdre, I have loved seeing your artistry as a creator and your brilliance as a teacher for these many years. (Brilliance is not hyperbole = brilliance, as in "shining radiantly with light.") Your love for your students and art form always has been so visible on stage: the creative use of music, rhythm, film, lights, costumes, choreography. And your dancers! So well-rehearsed, so wonderful to watch. And your students, empowered to make their own artistic decisions and create thoughtful visions under your tutelage. I remember when Rebecca was in your dance class. She so enjoyed it. As parents, we appreciated your careful attention to her development as a dancer and well-being as a person both. We will miss you here on the Hill! It has been a joy to have been your colleague.

Thanks, of course, for the hours of teaching, but also thanks for our conversations.

I remember when you choreographed dancers on the rock wall. That was so cool. Every January the dance performance is wonderful. When I see it, I am always so proud of our school. Thank you for your years of dedication. I look forward to being able to wish you a happy retirement in person when we can return to campus.

Deirdre - you were so kind and thoughtful to me my first year - I will never forget your grace and encouragement - we have had some fun moments - I wish you so much love and happiness in your future and hope you stay in touch. Love, Jodi

Deirdre, I certainly can't improve upon the accolades given in those wonderful videos, but I can give you my hearty and heartfelt thanks for all of the wonderful moments of dance that you've created and shared with us. Dance performances were my absolute favorite part of St. Stephen's. You made them so thought-provoking as well as beautiful, and the combination has lodged them in my memory. Thank you so much for your creativity and passion as well as for your kindness to your colleagues and students. I shall miss you, and I thank you more than I can say.

Congratulations Ms. Strand! Thank you for being my teacher, mentor and friend for the almost 20 years! I will never forget you inviting me to practice and perform a piece with the Chrysalis dancers when I was a shy and timid 8th grader. You gave me confidence and a safe place to explore, create, and express myself. I cherish my memories from that performance and from all the years of private lessons, choreography classes, Chrysalis rehearsals, and advisories. Best wishes for a fruitful (relaxing?!) retirement. You will be so missed at SSES!

Ms. Strand gave me a safe space while at SSES. The environment she created in her studio allowed me to grow my confidence as a dancer and as a person. I loved going to my private lessons and classes with her. You could feel the passion that she has for dance and teaching. Some of my fondest memories are of dance thanks to her and all the work she put into the dance department. Thank you for all that you did for me and for SSES!