This weekend she marked 50 years as owner at the helm of Yvonne O’Connor School of Dancing with the annual concert and a celebration with past and present students. 

Assistant teacher Lynette Kimball said Ms O’Connor’s dynamic work ethic and passion for dance was an inspiration to all. 

“I think people don’t see that she’s there six days a week, week in and week out,” she said. 

“She stretches herself in every which way and that passion is still shining through.” 

Ms Kimball said past students often returned to show their thanks to Ms O’Connor – who still dances herself in the school’s concerts. 

“Some of the kids who pursed a dancing career come back to Wagga and say thank you because she instilled such a strong technique in them,” she said. 

“It’s been a fun ride together.” 

Ms O’Connor said it was exciting to celebrate such a big milestone. 

“All of the children are different, some do it just for enjoyment and some go on to do something wonderful with it,” she said. 

“Either way they get a lot out of it, it’s about seeing them come out of their shells.” 

Proceeds from the final concert were donated to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, a passion close to Ms O’Connor’s heart.