Melanie Kij Durbin, ballerina, mother and teacher - a testimonial

Melanie and Krysia Kij as the river in Snow Queen at
Shea;s Buffalo production of the Royale Dance Theatre

A few years ago, I proposed the development of a dance department at Hilbert College.  This is the letter that former student Melanie Kij Durbin sent to the Board of Directors.  I heartily thank her for the kind words,
     As a student and apprentice of Mrs. De Mike for 14 years, it gives me great pride to have the opportunity to recommend her and her proposal to you.  I have read it ad believe it is an exceptional and intensive program of study for any dancer to pursue.
     I am a 1985 graduate of Point Park University with  B.A.degrees in dance and psychology.   I have had the opportunity  to dance professionally and teach classical ballet in the Vaganova-based technique to students in the Pittsburgh, Pa area for the past 27 years as a wife and mother, while home-schooling my six children. My husband Brad and I have been instructors at Point Park University, Pittsburgh Ballet House and various gymnastic facilities.

Melanie in "Americana" at Seminary

     While I am proud of my college degree in dance at Point Park U., my true dance education came from Bernadine De Mike, director of the Royale Dance Theatre and Academy in Buffalo, NY.Point Park U. has an incredible reputation with the dance community and offers quality dance program, I speak with conviction when I say that rs. De Mike's proposal rivals Point Park's department of dance.

      I wholeheartedly believe this because my Point Park professors were impressed by my knowledge - as a first year student- of French terminology, art and dance history, set design, sound and costume design as well as my unadulterated Vaganova technique.
I assumed all dancers had learned these subjects before they arrived at college.  Professors would ask me what school I came from and who my teachers were.I had been exposed to an outstanding education by only  one teacher, far exceeding students who came from Carolina School of the arts, Pittsburgh Ballet School and others.  Her Academy training was far beyond the art of ballet and arguably, equivalent to a four year degree.
     I can never thank Mrs. De Mike enough for giving me the love of dance and the technique to pass this on to others.

Kallista Durbin, trained at home by mother
Melanie Kij Durbin.  Strictly Vaganova technique

     I have met many professors and master teachers in dance, including professional dancers at the university level and beyond. who are undeniably gifted, qualified and decorated with master and doctorate degrees, yet none possess the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the arts or of the artist and student , as a complete human being, as does Mrs. De Mike.  Most individuals, in my experience, have expertise in a single art form alone, requiring a myriad of others to complete a project or a production.  I have yet to encounter an individual in the arts who can produce and complete an entire production from its inception, single handedly, with amateurs as well as professionals.

      The Dance Department proposal is invaluable to your college.  This two-year teacher program is exactly what many dancers are searching for in lieu of a four-year degree.  There are a number of college students discouraged with what is being offered in the Arts and Humanities.  Students yearn to be challenged and enlightened with the pristine qualities of the arts.  What Mrs. De Mike presents is not only of superb quality, but will be offered with purity, dignity and Christian integrity, sadly lacking in the arts today.

     You will not find another person of this caliber to deliver such a proposal as Bernadine De Mike.  Without a doubt, she is an invaluable asset whose talents and knowledge should be tapped.  My wish is that she will influence another generation in the arts.  I implore you to consider this proposal and  would be honored to offer my assistance as a guest teacher at anytime.

Sincerely, Melanie Kij Durbin