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Lucy Ann Hayden died peacefully after a long convalescence and brief illness. She was born Lucy Ann Allison to Mary Hinkle and Thomas Lester Allison in Oklahoma City, May 13, 1914 and died November 9, 2004 in Albuquerque, NM. Lucy recently received top honors by the National Association of Dance Instructors when she was chosen as one of only five teachers in the nation to receive an award for her work. Many of her students stayed in contact with Lucy from around the world many of whom went to dance in major dance companies or have taught dance in various universities and schools in the US and abroad. The last member of her immediate family, Lucy was also preceded in death by her husband William J. Hayden, a well known actor, director and playwright. Lucy and Bill opened one of the first ballet schools in Albuquerque, Hayden School of Ballet, and the Albuquerque Children's Theatre in 1960, which are still going strong today. Lucy began studying ballet at age 8 in Denver, Colorado, where she lived into her twenties. She taught ballet in Wyoming, Nebraska and Denver before she moved to NYC, at age 30. There she studied dance with Martha Graham, the famous dance specialist, and Merce Cunningham. She stayed in New York City for ten years where she and Bill married in 1958. In 1960 they moved to Albuquerque where they opened their ballet and theatre school. She said "Bill helped give me the confidence that I could make a living at dance instruction." They combined their talents to teach dance and theatre to children ages 6 through high school. They gave yearly recitals featuring ballet and other types of dance, acting and pantomime for 30 years. Lucy taught hundreds of children in Albuquerque over the years and is also known for helping Albuquerque Children's Theatre keep going after her husband Bill died in 1989. She was given an honorary seat at the Albuquerque Little Theatre for her contribution. Despite her busy schedule she also volunteered for Meals on Wheels as a member of Monte Vista Christian Church and Anna Kaseman hospital for several years. Lucy will be missed by many for her profound influence and insightful knowledge on the dance and theatre community in Albuquerque and beyond. She is survived by her nephew John Allison, and friend Cathy Wiest, sister-in-law Laura Allison, niece Carol Allison-Huntress her husband Erny Huntress, and grand niece Ariel Huntress of Albuquerque; her niece Betsy Nazare husband Dave, and grand niece Rachel Nazare of Park City, Utah; her niece Marcia Travers, her husband Richard and grand-nieces Alyssa and Serena Travers of Lewes, Great Britain. In lieu of flowers Lucy asked that donations be made to Albuquerque Children's Theatre or Monte Vista Christian Church. A memorial service will take place at Monte Vista Christian Church on Monday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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