Sherry Bazell (1922-1999)
... she never stopped smiling ...
A light went out on March 15, 1999, and a deeper brighter light illuminating much more took its place.
Sherry Bazell’s legacy is by nature one that transforms and grows in the lives of those she moved. It is a simple legend of creativity, self-expression, and a life’s work of humanity.
Those who were touched by Sherry’s powerful love and lifted by her vote of confidence could walk taller, speak more courageously, and trust in the power of their own individuality.
She believed in love, no matter what color it came in, what sexual preference, or economic class. She had no patience for pretense, opportunism, or inhumanity. She was no preacher, she simply lived what she believed. Her volunteerism left us all trying to catch up.
In 1938, she established Betchen Dance Studio in the 1200 block of Walnut Street, which she ran for nearly 30 years. This was one of the first racially integrated dance establishments in Philadelphia. “I lost a lot of business when I refused to fire the black woman who accompanied my dance classes,” Sherry said recently.
From 1942-1944, Sherry entertained World War II troops, touring endlessly with the USO.
In 1946, Sherry married Albert (Red) Bazell, and together they reinforced and spread the Ballroom Dancing tradition throughout Philadelphia for 3 decades. They hosted the “Champagne Hour” at the Celebrity Lounge on Camac Street, and also hosted many swing dance events and public and private functions, influencing many people with their fire and fierce spirits.
In 1951, she had the first of three daughters, Marciem, Heidi, and Myra, all of whom reflect her passion for art and humanity.
In the 1960’s, Sherry turned her focus to the nurturing and guidance of young women. The Girl Scouts of Philadelphia recognized her steadfast committment to this important organization and acknowledged her for fifteen years of inspirational work.
Her directing musical theater during this period spawned many professional careers, and fostered many confident adults. She and Red continued to teach dance at local cotillions, synagogues, and schools.
In the 1970’s, she volunteered as a costume creator for the Ballet des Jeunes, The High School for the Performing Arts, and the University of the Arts. During summers, she volunteered her time in children’s camps, affecting even more young lives with her guidance and spirit.
Until her move to Florida in 1992, Sherry continued to support dance and donate blood, sweat, and smiles to as many young creative souls as she could.
In her years living in Boca Raton with her daughter Heidi, she continued to shock neighbors and doctors with her will to survive, despite the progressive effects of her terminal illness, PSP. Every morning she would get up (wheelchair ridden) and exercise to a Ballet video in order to maintain her strength. Even her new neighborhood after only five years feels the void created by her death. “It’s like Grand Central Station in here,” her daughter Heidi would say in reference to the constant traffic of neighbors coming to visit Sherry. The morning following her death, neighbors poured into the streets, crying for her loss.
“What Mom did was give, give, give... honesty, integrity, strength, courage, dedication, talent, and beauty. She never complained, never said ‘why me?’, demanded nothing, and always had a positive attitude. Complete unselfishness.
”She taught me to be kind, thoughtful, have integrity and courage, and to give. She influenced me to be open minded and inspired by life, to strive for creative energy, to give it to others. She taught me what it is to be a real human being, to just do it and not look for something in return ... just to be.
“SHE IS THE BEST MOM” -- Heidi
“My mother held the purity of the rainbow and all of its true colors in greater esteem than the pot of gold. She gave me the permission to be an individual. I owe my joy, my art, my passion to her undying support and unparalleled love for life.
”Anyone who met Mom saw an extraordinary woman who gave and gave and never expected or wanted anything in return, except maybe a smile.” --Myra |
