A TRIBUTE - IN LOVING MEMORY

Tutterow “Stars” have lost a very influential and important lifetime member of their group. Phyllis Tutterow passed away Tuesday, March 14th, in Indiana. For 22 years Phyllis and her husband Gayle (who passed away in 1998) shared their love of dance with so many students in this community. They met when Phyllis applied for a job at a dance studio he owned. She had said to others many times, “We lived together, worked together and danced together. We had a wonderful time.”

Phyllis and Gayle moved to Florida to retire, but quickly gave in to their passion of teaching dance. They formed the Tutterow Dance studio through the Largo Recreation, Parks and Arts Department in 1976. While with the recreation department, they decided to form a dance troupe called Tutterow Stars of Tomorrow to give students an opportunity to expand their interest in dancing and performing. Through the years the troupe has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Phyllis had a special way of joining love and discipline to introduce each student to appreciate the art of dance. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Hoctor’s Dance Caravan in July 1997. Phyllis was very dedicated and devoted to her students and genuinely loved seeing each one develop their talent through her teaching. However, Phyllis did more than just teach dance. She instilled a sense of professionalism into her dancers by developing their sense of self-confidence, pride and determination. Many of Phyllis and Gayle’s students went on to make dancing their profession. Whether on stage performing or in the studio teaching, their students are passing on the love of dance that Phyllis and Gayle inspired.

Phyllis is survived by a son, three grandchildren, and many students who continue to love and honor the memory of a wonderful mentor and friend.