Good evening, 
My name is Jeanine Kotchish, formerly Trapanese, and I danced for your mother for many years (1983-1996). I recently began dancing again and of course, I wanted to see some of her recent work. I simply wanted to pay my respect to her because I spent more hours in her studio in Red Bank than anywhere else, and your mother was a solid soul. I hope you have many great memories of her, and may God bless your family with His love.

I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Sally Topham. She was one of my first ballet teachers, from the age of 7 to 15. She taught me tough love, discipline, and etiquette. She believed in me and gave me opportunities that now, in hindsight, I realize just how rare they were. The Nutcracker and Sally’s full length productions in the Spring of Cinderella, Firebird, and Coppelia were the most joyful experiences I ever had growing up. It is only as an adult that I realize how incredible she was to do it all singlehandedly. She was a force to be reckoned with. I am very sad I wasn’t able to thank her before she passed. I would like to believe she lives on in every kid willing to work hard and every teacher willing to put their heart and soul into this beautiful art form of dance. 

Sally Topham will always remain one of my favorite ballet teachers who made a big impact in the dance world. Even though she was quite the disciplinarian, she had a strong work ethic and was very dedicated to her craft. She made me a better dancer and taught me so much. Her productions of the Nutcracker will never be forgotten. Her Nutcracker choreography was one of the best that I have seen and I am thankful to have danced in her productions. I will never forget the story when she told me that she always had a notepad with her and she would jot down any choreography ideas that would come to her. She even pulled over to the side of the road to write down steps that she had thought of for the Nutcracker. She will be missed. 

My deepest condolences to the family.  As a former ballet student of  Mrs. Topham I hold the fondest memories of her.  She taught me so much and remains one of my favorite ballet instructors I’ve ever had, she left me and my sisters and friends with so many memories. Especially her amazing production of The Nutcracker.  Every year me and my family reminisce about all of the fun we had participating.  We still say her production of Nutcracker is our all time favorite! She was and is truly a wonderful woman who touched so many with her fierceness and kindness. Rest In Peace ❤️

Sally was the strength behind my smile, the grace behind my confidence and the force behind my successes, both on the ballet floor and in life. She formed much of what I am today, instilling a sense of determination and perfection in all that I do. She taught me to not be afraid of a spotlight. I danced with her from a young age in the Nutcracker into my college years dancing in Operas and ballets in NYC. She understood ballet would not be my career but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t teach me lessons and always have a special part of my heart forever. I am deeply saddened by her loss but know she is dancing among the clouds as a real angel. Thank you for everything Sally. 

The Sally Topham I knew and loved was driven, outspoken, demanding and original. A truly amazing teacher who inspired perfection of all who dare take her ballet class or volunteer. Theater arts, were her muse, choreography, set design, lights, music, costume and most of all ballet. Sally could do it all . She inspired hundreds of young girls and provided her students the glorious and thrilling opportunity to preform on stage in a profession theater wearing the costume of their dreams, dancing to a live orchestra most likely in Sally’s beloved production “the Nutcracker”.  Thank you for all your taught us I can still hear you saying, ‘listen and learn”. God Bless and dance in peace.

OBITUARY

Sally Jane Topham

June 2, 1933 – December 27, 2019

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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