Dozens of former students showed up, flowers and gifts in hand and offering hugs of appreciation to a teacher who has meant so much in their lives. The retirement party also served as a reunion, many of the former students excited to see one another again. 

 

McGowan.

 

“Bonnie had more of a jazz and tap school, so she asked Mom to teach ballet,” Pulice said. “They taught together for several years until the whole block was torn down to build the Union Bank plaza."

 

Timms thereafter taught ballet at Nutter Fort Community Center behind the old Roosevelt-Wilson High School and eventually at the Benedum Civic Center in Bridgeport.

 

“The Civic Center wasn’t open on Saturday mornings, but they opened for me so I could teach classes downstairs,” she said.

 

Then another opportunity came about and Timms moved into the West Main Street building, the current studio location. The building was then owned by Ed Salmon and housed the AB4 Nursery School.

“Miss Marian ran the nursery school during the day and rented me an area to teach dance during the evening," Timms said.

 

Eventually, Timms took over a portion of the upper floor of the building, which Mark and Judy Bonamico ultimately purchased and renovated.

 

Over four decades, hundreds of dance students have received instruction at the studio. Many have become members of Bridgeport Middle School and Bridgeport High School dancelines. Some have even advanced to the dance team at West Virginia University. 

 

In addition to her own daughters – Cindy, Becky and Sarah (Chittaro), all who have danced professionally - others have used their dance talent in notable ways. Her granddaughter Chiara Pulice went on to become a member of the WVU Danceline and continues to pursue other opportunities in performing arts. 

 

Kirsten Wyatt and Chris Williams have been been featured in Broadway. Emily Battles works in the entertainment industry in New York City and Albert Altovilla worked in professional theater before coming back to the studio to teach.

 

Every other year, Timms has presented “The Nutcracker” on the stage of Bridgeport High School. Her own version of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic - complete with Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara, Fritz and the SugarPlum Fairy – has become a tradition to her dancers, their families and the entire community. That tradition continues under Mudrick's direction. 

 

Timms’ career also included choreography for Bridgeport High School Theatre. For many years, she choreographed dance numbers for school plays under the direction of Gregg Brown.

 

Pulice feels she can speak on behalf of her sisters also when she says they are quite proud of her mom, her dedication to dance instruction – and the influence she had on them - and some of their children - to pursue careers in the performing arts. All three daughters have danced and/or acted professionally.

 

Mudrick said learning to dance under Timms' instruction and taking over operation of the studio are two major life blessings. 

 

"I started dancing when I was two years old, but did not start with Annabel until later on - around the age of 11 or 12. I spent almost every day at the dance studio. Annabel gives tough love! She inspires all of her students to be a better version of themselves," she said. "To Annabel, I want to say thank you for inspiring, helping and motivating me to achieve things I never thought possible. Thank you for providng me with a home away from home. I am forever grateful for you entrusting your studio to me and helping me inspire our dance students to achieve their dreams - just like you inspired me."

 

Timms was indeed surprised to walk into the studio and find so many of her dance students through the years. One by one, they offered hugs and did a little reminiscing.