Thoughts from Protege Tamara Funk

If it had not been for Lee and Gail Ticknor and the caring community of
people who danced in their basement, I am not sure I would have made it
through my college years in Williamsburg.

I arrived in Williamsburg to attend William and Mary in August 1982.
September and October were tough months - I was homesick, suffering from
culture shock, and losing weight rapidly because of the horrible food
served at the college in those days. I wasn't sure I could cope with
another semester, let alone another three and a half years.

Early in November, I saw a flyer announcing English Country Dancing at
107 Indian Springs Road. Indian Springs Road was an easy walk from my
dorm! I had done some eighteenth-century dancing at the National Park
where I volunteered back home and always enjoyed it. I went to the very
next class meeting. Soon I began attending Scottish Country Dancing as
well. Ticknor’s basement became my refuge.

When it came time to sign up for second semester classes, I did not flee
in dread. I had a community to turn to; I would make it.

Last year when my husband and I finally decided to look for a house, we
laughed about wanting a house with a big basement where we could have
dancing, just like the Ticknor’s house in Williamsburg. Much to our
amazement, the perfect house, with the perfect basement, was waiting for
us. When we finish the work that needs to be done, we hope to emulate
Lee and Gail’s example.

I won’t be at Gail’s funeral because I live so far away now, but I will
most assuredly be remembering her just as warmly as if I were. As it
happens, I will be attending an English Country Dance weekend at
Folklore Village at the time. What better way could I find to honor
Gail’s life than by participating in one of the activities she shared
with me and with so many others throughout her life?

For the past few years, I have run a small fundraiser for Folklore
Village during English weekend. This year the donation will be given in
Gail’s memory. Thank you, Gail, for helping to make the world a better
place for this bewildered little college student, not just for the four
years I lived near you, but for my entire life!