Denise Winter's Rosedale Dance

For more than 50 years, Rosedale Dance has been a cherished part of the community, bringing generations of dancers together through a love of movement, creativity, and performance. Today, the program proudly carries the name Denise Winter's Rosedale Dance in honor of a woman whose dedication, service, and love helped shape the program into what it is today.

Mrs. Denise Winter's connection to Rosedale Dance began through her daughters. In 1984, her oldest daughter, Wendi, began dancing with the program at the age of four. As her other daughters, Lindsay and Emily, joined the program, Denise became increasingly involved, volunteering countless hours behind the scenes. What started as serving as a room mom grew into a lifelong commitment to both the dance program and the Rosedale Recreation Council.

In 2001, Denise was named Chairperson of Rosedale Dance and served the Recreation Council in several leadership roles over the years, including Secretary and Vice President. Her dedication to the community was unwavering. While many parents enjoyed watching their children perform from the audience, Denise could always be found backstage—organizing, encouraging dancers, coordinating volunteers, and making sure every performance ran smoothly. In all her years of service, she never once sat in the audience to watch her three daughters or her niece perform, choosing instead to support every dancer from behind the scenes.

Although Denise was not a dancer herself, she was one of the program's greatest champions. Beyond Rosedale Dance, she was a beloved Paraeducator at Red House Run Elementary School for 14 years and a talented singer in the local band, Collage. Her commitment to service extended throughout the community, earning her recognition for her volunteer efforts, including participation in a canoe naming ceremony at Marshy Point Nature Center in 2012.

After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009, Denise continued to inspire those around her with her strength and dedication until her passing in the fall of 2013.

In 2014, the program was officially renamed Denise Winter's Rosedale Dance to honor her extraordinary legacy and decades of service. Today, that legacy continues to thrive. Some dancers who grew up in the program over 30 years ago now have children—and even grandchildren—participating in classes. Many still remember Denise's kindness, leadership, and ever-present smile backstage.

Denise Winter's Rosedale Dance is more than a dance program—it is a family tradition built on community, dedication, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to shine. We are proud to carry Denise's legacy forward with every class, rehearsal, and performance.

"Her passion was not for being in the spotlight, but for helping others shine in it."