Student returns money to dance teacher after many years

By KEVIN SCANNELL Sun Advocate reporter

Special letter holds special place in local woman’s heart
With more than six decades of teaching dance, Brenda Kalatzes remembers the many performances and kids she has helped instill a love for dance throughout the years.
But it’s one particular event or dance review that has her looking back with a smile and tears welling in her eyes.
Kalatzes received a letter in the mail on Friday from an unknown sender that contained a short apology and was included with a $50 bill.
The letter states in part that the sender was collecting money at an event more than 50 years ago that Kalatzes was a part of but the person forgot to turn the money in.
After several years, the person wrote that it was weighing on them and they wanted to make things right.
“I have had this on my mind for a long time and wanted to make it right with you,” the letter said.
It was signed at the bottom with “a humble servant”.
“I’ve just done so many dance reviews and have taught so many students over the years that I couldn’t even begin to think of when this happened,” Kalatzes said.
Kalatzes has taught dance in Carbon and Emery counties for many years, dating back to her opening Brenda’s Dance Studio in Price back in 1958.
“I just can’t believe this,” she said as tears welled in her eyes while showing the letter and the contents of the envelope to the Sun Advocate on Friday afternoon.
“This shows that there’s still plenty of hope for mankind.”
Kalatzes said she isn’t sure she’ll be able to find out who sent the letter. The envelope shows that the letter possibly came from Castle Dale with the zip code 84513 on the top left of the envelope.
While she may not be able to identify the sender, Kalatzes wants the person to know how grateful she is for sending the card with the money.
“It kept the person thinking about me,” she said. “I just don’t know how to react in a situation like this.
“I wish I knew who sent it because I’d give them a great big hug and a kiss.”
As for the $50, Kalatzes said she has one idea for it. “I think I might frame it,” she said with a smile.