Barbara S. Gallager

ALTAMONT—Barbara S. Gallager, age 81, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 25, 2020.

Born in Newark, NJ, Barbara was the daughter of the late Anthony and Blanche Blozen.

Barbara was the founder and sole owner of Barbara's School of the Dance from 1975-2017. Barbara's love for dance began at the age of three when she took her first dance lesson. Her passion for dance continued through high school and eventually, Barbara pursued a career performing as a precision dancer with the NYC Rockettes and Roxyettes.

Barbara took a leave from her dance career to move to the Albany, NY area with her husband, Doug, where they raised their loving family in Altamont, NY. While home with her children, she and her friends created and choreographed many wonderful dance productions. In 1975, she opened "Barbara's School of the Dance" in Voorheesville, NY. After a few years of teaching, her school grew both in popularity and attendance. She eventually settled in Delmar where her studio continues to thrive. Barbara not only opened the doors of her studio for all students, she also opened her heart. Her mom, Blanche, was the welcoming receptionist for her studio and infamous "Cookie Lady" until her passing in 2008.

Barbara's dance studio was a second home to thousands of children where she not only taught ballet, tap and jazz, but lessons of self-worth, confidence, kindness, and, particularly acceptance without judgement decades before it became a social standard.

Barbara valued and loved each and every one of her devoted teachers, student teachers and students. Barbara proudly supported her students in their extracurricular activities and would often be seen cheering at sporting events or attending school music performances and theater productions.

Families were always welcomed at Barbara's School of the Dance and were treated with warmth and kindness in the dance school's waiting room.

Barbara loved her family and especially enjoyed having her children and grandchildren come to her home every Sunday for a home-cooked meal. She especially loved traveling, vacationing at Sylvan Beach and taking cruises with her family. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy.

Barbara was an avid gardener and was especially proud of her Butterfly Garden. A visit to her home in Altamont would reveal many beautiful gardens, blooms, birdhouses and deer feeding stations.

Elephants, domestic animals, pelicans and all birds, dolphins, whales, manatees, etc. were beneficiaries of her generosity . She loved all creatures great and small.

Barbara Gallager has been recognized for excellence in teaching and choreography by The Dance Educators of America. She and Blanche were honored for their dedication to the "Betterment of their Community," where Senator Neil Breslin declared June 6, 2018, as "Barbara and Blanche Day."

Barbara enriched the lives of every person who passed through her studio doors. Her message was always to respect each other and encouraged
her students to embrace differences in the dance class and in the world. She emphasized taking care of our planet, especially our trees. In Barbara's honor, be kind and be thoughtful. If possible, plant a tree.

And most importantly, always remember... "It's not where you start, it's where you finish."

Barbara is survived by her children: Susan Cleary (Mike) and Douglas Gallager Jr. (Theresa); five grandchildren: Nicole, Kayla, Christina, Tommy and Willie; dearly beloved Aunt Mary, many cousins, nieces, nephews and very special friend, Lynn Horn. Douglas Gallager Sr., her loving husband of 59 years passed away in June of 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Celebration of Life on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 12 Noon at Proctors Theatre (Main Theatre), 432 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12305.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Peppertree Rescue (www.Peppertree.org) or Proctors Theatre (www.proctors.org).

To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com