Castro Valley Community Center Dance Room to be Dedicated to Beloved Dance Instructor

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is pleased to announce a special Dance Room Dedication in honor of Miss Barbara Primmer at the Castro Valley Community Center on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

Affectionately known as “Miss Barbara”, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to name the dance room after Miss Barbara at the request of Mrs. Fran Gardner and family in recognition of her teaching career at the District. Retirement was not an option for Miss Barbara who continued to teach until her unfortunate illness this year. Miss Barbara’s daughter, Lori Ryan, who also works for the District, was thrilled to learn about the dedication and commented, “The dance room was where she spent most of her time and had the fondest memories.”

Previous: Remembering Barbara Primmer: Funeral Services for Beloved Dance Instructor

Miss Barbara began her career with the District in 1957 and continued over the years to teach classes in acrobatics, tap and ballet. Miss Barbara was one of the youngest dance teachers to be hired by the District. She directed and choreographed many dance productions for children who participated in her classes. It was not uncommon for Miss Barbara to teach her former students’ children and their children. She also taught many of her students for multiple years, once again exhibiting the adoration and positive effect she had on the community.

Miss Barbara was an icon for the District not only with her longevity working for the District but to the thousands of students she taught over the past 57 years. General Manager John Gouveia who supervised Miss Barbara at one time fondly recalls,

“Miss Barbara was one of a kind and families in the community respected her. She had a special kind-hearted connection
with the kids and brought out the best in them while teaching them to have fun.”

The community is invited to attend the Dance Room Dedication where Miss Barbara will be honored for her years of service to the District and more importantly for her passion and love of teaching dance to children.

—Information, photo submitted by Hayward Area Recreation & Park District