Dear NTA Members and Directors:

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that our Dear Kelly has earned her wings on Saturday, January 30, 2021.  She passed away peacefully.

She is now in heaven with her husband and ocelots and other pets, teaching everyone up there how to do the two-step correctly.  She was a dear friend, a wise woman, and inspiration to everyone.  She will be missed.

Kelly had been dancing since she was three years old. She has danced professionally on stage, on TV and in the movies. She also had her very own TV show. She and her husband owned and operated Arthur Murray studios and also a talent agency. 

Kelly has served as NTA president for many years. She developed the Accreditation (teaching training) program and spent her time judging and teaching all over the world. Kelly was also a voting member of the UCWDC® (United Country Western Dance Council) as the representative of the NTA. Kelly was a member of the UCWDC Judge Certification committee, a Master Level certified judge, and one of the select few who teach and test judges in the Judge Certification program. Kelly was honored on Saturday January 23rd with an award from the UCWDC for Recognition of Service. The award was presented by Tim Perez from the UCWDC.

The next NTA Newsletter will be dedicated to Barbara Kelly Gellette.