'She’s supposed to be here because it’s her dance school'

Heather Mulgrave

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Story Published: Jun 28, 2009 at 4:55 PM PST

By Addison Taylor KVAL News

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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Backstage at the Wildish Theater Body, Soul Dancers are preparing to dance their last dance.

Dancers say they are excited, but also sad.

"It’s the last recital and there’s not going to be any more as Body and Soul,” dancer Megan Haith said.

The school's owner, Heather Mulgrave (at far left), was one of four people killed in a traffic crash in January. The driver of the other car faces charges of drunk driving and manslaughter.

“She’s supposed to be here because it’s her dance school,” 10-year-old Allison Bourassi said backstage.

“I am just happy we made it this far,” Haith said.

After the school lost Mulgrave, it was uncertain whether it would continue, but the dancers did what they do best.

“They did a ‘Dance-athon’ and the kids, all by themselves, raised $2,700 dollars,” said Lindsey Shields, the school's director.

Reaching that goal made this final recital a reality.

“The goal was set, and we made it, and I think that is the best ending to the story,” Shields said.

And while it is an ending for Body and Soul, it is a new beginning for the Unity School of Dance.

"Classes are going to be the same but we're going to add a little bit more,” said Eileen King, the new owner.

King knew Heather Mulgrave.

“She was the most wonderful person I ever met," King said. "She was very passionate about what she did with dance and these kids, and I look up to her.”

She plans on taking Body and Soul’s dancers, staff and philosophy with her, something Shields said would make Heather happy. “That was really important to Heather," Shields said, "that anyone can dance, no matter size, shape, color, ability. You were invited.”

So while it is their last performance as Body and Soul, kids can keep on dancing as the Unity School of Dance.

That is something people here say Heather Mulgrave would have wanted.

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