Just a few pictures

Remembering Louis

(left) Taking a "spin" while preparing for a comp. - (right) Heather, Louis and Darren clowning

In August 1994 I decided to try again for dance lessons. I had taken some at a studio downtown in 1979 and gotten burned on the money and never felt that I learned much. Louis Le Mere (LEW-iss) told me that he didn't have contracts at Arthur Murray, he had agreements. They looked a lot like contracts but you weren't going to get "lawyered."

After some time I broke off regular private lessons there but never broke off contact. Even if an agreement wasn't a contract I always felt just a tiny tad guilty. I would still show up to visit. Louis was always gracious and interested. I started kcdance.com and Louis was interested in that. As with everyone else, I made sure I had a page for Arthur Murray's on my site.

Then August I learned that Louis was in the hospital. I forgot the reason that I had driven over to the studio just west of I-35 and north of 87th Street but lessons were in progress. Before long I was told that Louis was in the hospital. At Dance in the Park (11 Sep 2004) I asked how Louis was. No one knew for sure yet. He was still hospitilized.

This saturday I stopped by to drop off some pictures of Olé but there was a sign on the door saying they were closed Friday and Saturday. Sunday I picked up Mary Ann's email, sent the previous evening. Louis had died.

An area for comments is at the bottom of this page.

Studio Remembrance

Sunday, October 3, 2004 Louis was remembered at the studio. I got there just a little after 1pm thinking the visitors would be starting shortly. They were already there. The parking lot in front of Arthur Murray's was full and overflowing well into the lot across the street. Click here for a few pictures

There were visitors from hundreds of miles away and visitors from years away.

The First Announcements

Below are the earlier announcements and and area for comments:

Here is Louis in 1994 working with Harriet for a show in another state. Harriet drove from Wichita for lessons with Louis

Announcement for the studio remembrance:
"There will be a Gathering to Celebrate Louis' Life at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio Sunday, October 3, 2004, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM."

From Mary Ann Hope's email dated Saturday 18 Sept 2004:

We have all been hoping for a miracle for Louis, but it was not to be. Louis passed away Thursday afternoon, 09-16-04. Six weeks ago, doctors determined that he had a congenital atrial septal defect, a hole in his heart, which kept his blood from oxygenating effectively. They were not able to correct the problem

Louis was only forty-four years old. He began dancing at Arthur Murray in South Bend, IN when he was eighteen. He was at studios in South Bend, Omaha and Wichita before coming to Kansas City in 1988.

In the studio

The Arthur Murray Studio at 8626 Quivira in Lenexa, KS will continue to operate under the management of Darren Carpenter.

There will be a memorial service in Kansas City some time in the near future. Immediate arrangements are in Indiana. The visitation is Tuesday, 09-21-04 from 2:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. The funeral is Wednesday, 09-22-04 at 11:00 AM. The telephone number for the funeral home is 574-255-1519.

Donations in Louis' name can be made to the Crypic Masons Medical Research Foundation, P.O. Box 1489, Nashville, IN 47448.

Darren and Louis at last year's after party for Sierra Latina (27 Sept 2003). Olé Flamenco appeared. They use the Arthur Murray studio to meet and practice.


Mallee, Louis and Darren in Oct 1994

Louis

Links:
The studio remembrance Oct 3, 2004
The studio's web site: http://www.kcarthurmurray.com
KCDance page for Arthur Murray's

Kathleen Angelista (nee Miller), 1/10/2005
I worked for Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Omaha Nebraska for a few years. Louis and I did a few professional routines together and became friends. Louis was a exceptional person. He was a good friend. I had started teaching at a late age and I was 16 years his senior. I will remember Louie with a smile in my heart.Kathleen Angelista

Formerly Kathy Miller
Email: kathleen_angelista@fws.gov

Harriet Irwin, 10/15/2004
Louis was the person who took this 'non dancer' and provided

the inspiration to want to learn to dance. He certainly could

teach any technical aspects of dance, but he also provided

a wonderful example of all the enjoyment and happiness that

can be found in the dancing world.I am extremely lucky to have had him as part of my life. Memories

of Louis will be bright stars in my memory forever.
Email: schrwheat@aol.com

Harriet Irwin, 10/15/2004


Louis was the person who took this 'non dancer' and provided

the inspiration to want to learn to dance. He certainly could

teach any technical aspects of dance, but he also provided

a wonderful example of all the enjoyment and happiness that

can be found in the dancing world.I am extremely lucky to have had him as part of my life. Memories

of Louis will be bright stars in my memory forever.
Email: schrwheat@aol.com

Harriet Irwin, 10/15/2004
Louis was the person who took this 'non dancer' and provided

the inspiration to want to learn to dance. He certainly could

teach any technical aspects of dance, but he also provided

a wonderful example of all the enjoyment and happiniess that

can be found in the dancing world.I am extremely lucky to have had him as part of my life. Memories

of Louis will be bright stars in my memory forever.
Email: schrwheat@aol.com

Nicole Norian, 10/11/2004
My husband Bob and I first met Louis over seven years ago, when we decided to take a few dance lessons before our wedding. Since that time, the studio and the special people there have become an important - and integral - part of our lives (mine for the dancing, Bob's because he supports and encourages me).In 1999, I had decided to participate in my first comp: Superama in Orlando. About a month before the comp, Darren became ill and was hospitalized. I had only been dancing with Darren about six months, and had rarely danced with Louis. However, the show must go on! Louis quickly learned all of my routines and groupings, crammed lessons with me every chance we could, and off we went with Betty Lascuola and Liz Williams. I ended up having a wonderful time, and from that point forward, occasionally did routines with Louis as well as Darren. When I think of Louis, I see his bright smile and remember his passion for life. He enjoyed the special things that made life fun: gourmet chocolate, delicious food, lovely statues and baskets, unique jewelry, and of course, beautiful clothes and dance shoes! I remember the first time I saw him dancing with Harriett; they were doing the samba and I couldn't believe they were right there in front of me - they looked good enough to be on TV!Louis had a gift for dancing and he was fortunate enough to live his life doing something that he loved every day. His fire burned fast and bright, and while he will be deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched. With Love,

Nicole Norian & Bob Dennis
Email: nicole.norian@jocogov.org

Kim LeMere, 10/7/2004
I always loved Louis' way of sharing his life with me. He never had a harsh word for anyone when he would tell me of his Arthur Murray World. He loved the life he was following and I always knew he was a special gift to me and all the people he touched. Louis loved to share you all with my children and myself whenever we came for a visit. My children have fond memories of 'Uncle Louie's Studio' and the Friday night parties. Although we did not visit as often as I would have liked, I knew many of you by name.

It is so comforting to read this web page and feel the love that Louis was capable of giving and receiving. Louis was my brother, and I was and always will be so very proud of him, and I know his life may have been all to short, but because of all of you he was cherished and had a fuller life than most people could wish for. Louis truly was a gift from God on loan, and I know he is watching over all of us with those blue eyes just a sparkling trying to give us all that nudge we need to live each day we have as if it were our last. I want to thank you all for sharing your life with Louis with me.
Email: lemjack1@aol.com

CAROLYN SEE, 9/27/2004
This was the first time I had ever been to this site. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. I took lessons from Louis here in Wichita. I was at the KC STUDIO one time. I was always going to come back. I have thought about Louis many time over the years. He was so much fun to be around. I just can't imagine the dance world without him in it. After lessons with Louis there just wasn't anyone who could compare. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family. I know Darren also, I am thinking of him and the staff there at the studio. He will really leave a void. I missed him way back when he left wichita, but that was trivial compared to this. He just stood out wherever he was. He was truely one of a kind.

Carolyn See
Email: carol@sigmatek.com

Pamela Serrano, 9/27/2004
I received this sad news just today. My Mother Barbara Gold & I enjoyed dance lessons with Louis a fews years back. Three days ago my Mother found an old tape of Louis teaching dance at Juanchitos. It was on the evening news probably 9 years ago. I was his dance partner in the piece. He spoke alot of the pleasures of latin dancing and danced for the camera. We will miss him and think of him fondly.
Email: pamelas@travel-trendsltd.com

Darvin Carlson, 9/27/2004
I have known Louis for over a decade and participated in activities at the studio for many of these years. It was not uncommon, on the weeks when Harriett had a Saturday lesson, for Harriett, Louis and I to have lengthy conversations on dance and life in general. Louis and I both enjoyed a good cup of coffee. During these conversations we would finish off at least one and maybe two pots of coffee. Usually it seemed to work out that I always had the last cup….…… Louis always was the perfect host. Those of us that knew him will miss his presence.
Email: darvc@everestkc.net

Jennifer Rogge, 9/22/2004
Many of you know I learned nearly all I know about dancing at Arthur Murray's. It was students at the studio that first got me out to tango at Fedora's, which led me to salsa and swing, which led me to my weekly emails to about 100 dancers and friends each week.

Lewis always brought a bright mood to everyone when he was around. He had a heart of gold. I will never forget the moment when I caught the heel of one shoe in the side of the other. When I would have landed flat on my face, Lewis easily lifted me off the ground and whirled me around in the air. He was my hero after that. I will truly miss him, but I know his spirit will remain at the studio through Darren and Mary Ann.
Email: roggedance@kc.rr.com

Mike Strong, 9/20/2004
This is a test record to start out the comments section and check to see that this guest book is operating. Please feel free to add your account of Louis.

So many people knew him. He quietly affected a great many lives who came through the studio.
Email: dancer@kcdance.com