The gift of music and dance is one said to have existed for ages and passed on through generations and cultures by those who have a dedication to the art form.
Roberta Thornsberry grew up in north Denver and began dancing when she was 5 years old. An early diagnosis of rheumatic fever interrupted her interest until her doctor suggested that she resume classes to get stronger.
Thornsberry did so and through the years her longing to dance and perform led her to found the Little Theater Cultural Center, in Lakewood.
“My mother valued the importance of dance. She made it possible to continue my classes even though it was during the Depression,” Thornsberry said.
Over the weekend of Oct. 20, Thornsberry, also the artistic director of Little Theatre Culture Center, was honored by the Carson – Brierly Dance Library.
“She received the award for a lifetime of work as a Living Legend of Dance in Colorado,” said Roberta’s son David Thornsberry. The library is housed in University of Denver’s Penrose Library and includes 25 of the top educators and performers in Colorado.
“Roberta, or Mrs. T as she is known by her students, began her training with Claire Denny who taught dance classes as Elitch Gardens in the summer. She continued her studies with Miss Denny at the Republic Building’s Dance studio,” David Thornsberry said.
According to Roberta Thornsberry, while at North High School she performed in programs directed by Fern Mitchell.
“After high school I was chosen to go to Hollywood to begin a career in motion pictures and dance,” she said.
Roberta Thornsberry returned to Denver and began her teaching career, first at the downtown YMCA and then in a studio at 36th Avenue and Dahlia Street in the Park Hill neighborhood, she said.
In 1959, Roberta Thornsberry moved to Applewood and began teaching classes in her home. After two years, and 200 students later, a studio in the shopping center at 20th Avenue and Youngfield Street was open, gaining additional space in the shopping center as its popularity grew.
According to David Thornsberry, the lease was not renewed for the studio location, which gave rise to the permanent home of Little Theatre at 1980 Youngfield St.
“Roberta has two other schools — one in Ken Caryl and one in Highlands Ranch,” he said.
Roberta Thornsberry’s daughter, Debbie Vecchiarelli, operates the Ken Caryl location and Karen Cassel manages the Highlands Ranch location.
According to David Thornsberry, his mother was honored among other Colorado leaders in dance including David Taylor, Esther Kenny, Henry Miles and Jeanette Trujillo.
Although the business is run by family members and other staff members, Roberta Thornsberry said she remains actively involved in the curriculum and the polishing of technique, as well as private lessons.
“Mrs. T continues to strive for excellence in the curriculum at her studios. She is active in local business organizations and has recently served on the board of directors of the Applewood Business Association,” David Thornsberry said.