Dot Callanen-Gravett

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Mar 8th, 2008

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Death Date: Mar 8, 2008

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Biography: Dot Callanen-Gravett, "Miss Dot" to many who knew her, a prominent figure in the Arkansas theatre and dance community, left this world Saturday, March 8. A native Arkansan and Suma Cum Laude MFA graduate in dance performance and choreography from SMU, Dot danced for NBC productions, the Los Angeles and San Francisco ballet companies and as a national freelance performer before starting the dance program at UALR . Her work was so esteemed that she was the only Arkansan to be invited into membership with the Professional Dance Society. For those who have worked with Dot, she was driven, creative, compassionate, and inspired by seeing the potential and best in those around her. She believed in those who could not believe in themselves and is responsible for the education of more than can be counted. Locally, most may recognize her for her work with Arkansas Dance Theatre, Murry's Dinner Playhouse, The Miss Arkansas Pageant, the Farkleberry Follies and the Dot-Callanen Dance¬Gymnastics Center. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Dot's relationship with her Lord and Savior was her greatest legacy and gift to those around her. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Florence and Earnest Callanen and brother, William Callanen. She is survived by her husband Johnny Gravett, stepson Johnny Lee Gravett, dearest nephew John William Callanen, daughter of her heart Dorothy Miles, other nieces and nephews and numerous devoted friends. There will be a graveside service Monday, March 10 at 1pm at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 S. Marshall, Little Rock, AR 72204.

Condolences(71)

Michelle Coleman

#71

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

From the moment I could talk, I begged my mom to take me for ballet lessons. At 4 years old she enrolled me in Miss Dots dancing studio off of Geyer Springs. From day one I was hooked. Miss Dot always made me feel special. I danced with her for 10 years. I still think of her often and remember her smile. She is missed by many.

Michael Floyd (Lee)

#70

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sorry and sad to see Dot passed away. Se was always welcomed me as a friend even after 25 years had been between us. I missed her before and now I will miss her more. But I will never forget her. What a kind spirit has been lost. Condolences to all of her family.

Barbara Parsons ( Rogers)

#69

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A wonderful lady. Loved by so many . The last time I worked with Dot was on a production of "Oklahoma". Her energy,creative spirit, and love for dance will live on in the lives, and work of her many students.

James Rosin

#68

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot is an amazing and profound influence on my life. I was shy and awkward with dyslexia and Miss Dot gave me confidence and the love of dance.
I am in NYC now studying digital animation, and Miss Dot's lessons I still use in my work. At age 55 I am still in good health thanks to dance.
I'll look for you, dancing forever in the stars!

Michael Weir

#67

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I just recently became aware of and was saddened to learn of Dot's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dot on a couple of shows at UALR in the early 1990's (and took two classes). She was amazing with clutzy non-dancer actor types like me and showed a great deal of caring and patience. I am still able to this day to draw from what I learned from her. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had a brief opportunity to know her and will never forget her.

Carole Morris Ferrer

#66

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Miss Dot,

For all that you gave to the students of UALR...and for teaching a non-dancer how to dance. I will never forget "Sweet Charity" and taking wonderful classes from you.

Peace and Love,

Carole

Shawn Jackson

#65

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I remember going into Ms. Dot's class at UALR absolutely terrified, but Ms. Dot was such a warm and caring person, it was easy to fall into step. No matter your ability, she made you feel like a star. My heart goes out to the family she left behind.

Laura Nesuda

#64

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so sad to see that Miss Dot had passed away. Even though my daughter only took fromm her for two or three years, Miss Dot instilled in her a love of gymnastics and dance, and just a love of movement. Most importantly, my daughter loved Miss Dot herself, who gave her so much conficence and desire to improve all the time. We moved on to figure skating, which brought us to Dallas and a wonderful competitive career, but we never ever forgot Dot's early lessons in ballet, gymnasstics and hard work. My daughter Lisa also graduated from SMU and often commented that Miss Dot received her education at SMU's Meadows School of the Arts. We have thought of Miss Dot often through the years and our prayers go out to her family.

Candice Crump

#63

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I think Dot is there in every dance I teach.... her moves are timeless....

Marilyn Marloff

#62

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot helped to make my short time as a dancer in Arkansas one of the best times of my life. I'm sure she's dancing with the angels.

Matthew D. Brooks

#61

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A State Treasure, an Artistic Icon, an Educational Institution, a Spiritual Rock, a Woman, a Wife, a Friend, a Mother... an Angel. Ms Dot was more to many than what she recognized and I pray that now, I can still call on her to help me in an even bigger way. Her Heavenly father called her home to dance with those who have preceded her and I am blessed that I was able to experience her earthly work. My heartfelt condolences to her husband and family. I love her and I will truly miss her!

Wendy Wade Bell

#60

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot remains to be the strongest Christian soldier I have ever met in my life. She danced the line of clean and simple, pure morals. She encircled those who did not. Thank you Dot for helping me to pick one foot up and then the next and travel in the right direction... Still dancing in Dallas. It's all for you Dot. Just trying to put some good energy out there, in the universe to counteract what is not good. Johnny did we ever tell you how safe you made us feel? Numerous times you came to rehersal after work in your police uniform. You would sit in the back of the stage by the Exit door. You were there until Dot and all her dancers walked to our cars. Thank you, thank you, both for your God-given talent and protection. Thank you for making me a happier person. "God is good"!
Wendy Wade Bell Theatre Major/Dance Minor 1977, M.F.A. Dance S.M.U. 1980. U.A.L.R. Faculty member 1980/82.

Leighanne Gocke-Whitefield

#59

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was one of those unique "1 in a million" women. My life was forever changed when she entered it, and will be changed now that she has left.We are so fortunate to have had her in all of our lives. A fabulous teacher and a friend every time I needed a friend to listen. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with Johnny and his family.

Karen Harris

#58

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am truly heartbroken at the loss of my dear teacher, friend, and surrogate mother. I would have never made it through the past nine years without her wisdom, love, and guidance. When Dot danced into my life I had very little confidence in myself. Dot had a way of never letting me give up. In some of the darkest days of my life she was the bright light that kept me going. Dot made me into the strong woman that I am today. I have spent the week reminiscing with so many people who Dot touched with her kindness and love. Sometimes it was just giving someone a pencil that needed it, or buying lunch for a student who lived in their car, or taking a student to see the big road show at Robinson Center or even buying a single mother jazz shoes because she could not afford to purchase them for class. So many things she did were so small that most people would have never known it was Dot who did it. She cared so much for everyone in her life, even the ones that were not nice or treated her unfairly. I have never known anyone who cared so much for so many. I have finally come to terms that she is gone, but she will certainly not be forgotten. Her legacy is that she will live on in those whose lives she touched. I will never forget her patience, her amazing love for life, and her powerful willingness to forgive. Thanks, Miss Dot. Your love and wisdom will live on in me for the rest of my life.

ellen terry

#57

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

i will never forget what a teacher i had with miss dot;she did so much for the arts in this area.

Kristin Marts (Girndt)

#56

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

There is a little piece of Dot in all my choreography. She was a great inspiration. I miss her.

Kristn

Cynthia Poole

#55

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I took from Miss Dot back in 1972 when she first opened up a small studio on Baseline Road. I thought she was so graceful and beautiful, just like a true ballerina. Above all, though, she was a gracious person who built me up with positive comments at a time when I was a self-conscious child. Although I didn't stick with ballet, the memory of Dot Callanen will stick with me forever.

Diana Layne-Jordan

#54

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was a great influence on me and my family. She not only taught me many years ago when her Dance Studio was on 65th Street but she also taught my daughter and nieces. "Miss Dot" will be greatly missed she was a great access to the community.

Mary Cantrell

#53

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot will be missed by so many students and friends. She was a teacher, friend and philosopher who taught me more than just dance. She really taught about life and living.

Allison Streepey

#52

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Johnny Gravett, John William Callenan and families: Like so many of us, I'm just shocked speechless about Miss Dot's passing. She meant the world to us all and gave us all so much. You know she's in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Susy Beck

#51

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so sorry to hear of Dot's sudden death. Dot was brave enough to give me chances to dance in local productions when I didn't know a buffalo from a shuffle--well aware that I had not had the opportunity to study dance as a child. Later I became her student. And no, she did not have children in the way it is normally defined. But there are those born to and charged with the responsibility to share their talents. She served well. A brilliant star has crossed over.

Amy Clayton Maurer

#50

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mrs. Dot, I've thought of you so many times over the years. You have no idea what an encouragement you were to me! I'll never forget dancing with you. You were loved by many, and I am one those!

Kim Phelan

#49

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

"Miss Dot" was irreplaceable and an inspiration. She impacted so many young people. Her legacy will live on for years.

Don & Lee Ann Bennett

#48

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear John & family,

We are truly sadden to hear of the loss of Ms."Dot". She was such a warm person with a beautiful smile. This world has lost a wonderful person and "a true lady". Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tommy Addis

#47

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I hope "Miss Dot" knew the influence she had on so many lives.She not only taught me her wealth of knowledge in all area's of dance but to be more compassionate with those who didn't have all the advantage's some are given. She always found the possibility's in everyone of her students and always nurtured it. Dot may not have had any biological children but there are hundreds of us out here that are children of "Miss Dot". She will always have a very special place in my heart. So " Shut-Up and Dance"!

Chuck Burks

#46

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was an inspiring teacher and choreographer. I knew her at UALR in 1980 and meet wonderful dancers through her program at the university. She will be missed by many...

M&M RICHARD E. BELL

#45

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

mary ann (jones) deleon

#44

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mrs. Karen Holloway.

#43

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met Ms. Dot in 2005 when my children took dance classes under at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I had a lot of respect for ability to teach, experiences that she always talked to her students about. I visited her studio on many occasions just to watch while my children were there learning from Ms. Dot. We are so grateful that they had the opportunity to learn from such a great teacher, dancer and friend. She will be greatly missed by many like us in the community but not forgotten.

much love from the "Holloways"

Joy Ritchey

#42

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was one of my first dance teachers and a long and loving friend of my family. I regret that I had not had contact with her for several years. I will never forget Dot's dance courses or performing in "Peter and the Wolf," and other shows, under her direction. She was a loving and encouraging teacher and friend. My father taught at UALR with her and they never truly parted as friends. I will never forget Dot and neither will any member of my family. Her personality and the force of her talent would never allow that. All of our love, from the Ritcheys and the Parkers, to Dot's family. The love she gave to us can never be erased.
Joy Ritchey

Ronald Boswell

#41

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I would like to join others on this 10th day of March, 2008 in mourning the death but celebrating the life of Dot Callanen-Gravett, my long-time friend, colleague, and artistic collaborator. I also want to express my condolences and best wishes to her family and all of her many friends, who undoubtedly are experiencing a great loss.

Ron Boswell

ERMA WELLS FOSTER

#40

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I STARTED DANCE CLASS WITH MS DOT IN THE LATE 60'S WITH 4 OTHER DANCERS. I CONTINUED ON WITH HER AT DANSARTS STUDIO OFF OF MISSISSIPPI STREET. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER PERSERVERENCE WITH US. SHE NEVER QUIT OR GAVE UP ON ANYBODY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER AND HER MOM. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. KNOW THAT SHE WILL BE MISSED AND CONTINUELY LOVED BY ALL. HER LEGACY WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN THE LIVES THAT SHE TOUCHED.

Renee' Heard

#39

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot will live forever in the hearts of the children she worked with as well as the hearts of their moms. Every child became hers, and she loved and disciplined them as if they were.
It makes me smile to think of her choreographing the dance of the angels, while Miss Flo puts her two cents in!!!!

Renee' and Megan

Kevin Baer

#38

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Wow, what a talented beautiful wonderful lady! It was always comforting to sit and talk with her. I remember when she would sit on the floor in the office of Karen Harris in the UALR Theater department with her music box and choreograph pieces. And back in the 80's and early 90's, Dot and Carolyn Curry collaborated well on some great musical productions at UALR. Their production of A Chorus Line in the 80's was a sold out show for every performance of every seat in that 700 seat auditorium. Dot encouraged everyone by always telling us, come on do your best baby cause "Your a Star." And so rightfully so, she is now a bright star in heaven!

Melissa Higginbotham

#37

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was such a great person to be around. She would take time to help anyone. I will always be greatful for her influence in dancing. She is a big part of why I chorograph today. I look forward to seeing her again.

rebecca antolik

#36

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was an amazing dancer,teacher, choreographer and person. I started dancing at her studio about 25 years ago and I haven't stopped yet. She was a wonderful woman and I had great respect for her love of dancng and teaching..She was an inspiration to many of us and she will be missed but always remembered!!

Natasha Vault Booth

#35

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot will be truly missed. I was one of her many students at a very young age and again in college at UALR. Her beautiful spirit will be greatly missed. My family's condolences are with you and your family.

Natasha Booth and Family

Deirdre Strand

#34

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot was the first person to give me an opportunity to teach for her when I was 17 years old. I am 52 years old now: I have been a professional dancer and teacher for 35 years. I thank Dot for giving me that wonderful chance to share the power of dance. I am the co-founder of Tapestry Dance Company and the Director of Dance at St.Stephen's Episcopal School and there is a warm spot in my heart for those that teach people to express themselves through movement. That is how Dot inspired so many. We will all miss her.

Kim Reynolds

#33

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I took dance from Ms. Dot my senior year of high school and she helped get into the dance program at Oklahoma City University. She was a wonderful and inspirational person. I am so blessed to have learned from her.

Virginia Thornton and Family

#32

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My family and I send our deepest sympathy.

Lauren Hamilton

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was a wonderful woman and a fantastic teacher! She taught me from the time I could barely walk until I was in high school. She was my inspiration to keep on dancing and she will be always be in my heart.

Brenda Fiser

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My family was saddened to learn of Dot's death. She will be remembered not only for her talents of dance and theater, but that of sharing the love of those pursuits with others. She cared deeply for everything she did and for those around her.

Brandi Oaks

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends of Miss Dot. She was an amazing teacher, lovely human being and a woman of grace. She will be missed dearly and remembered for the joy she brought to all those who had the pleasure of being in her company. Dance on Mis Dot!

Love,
Brandi
UALR Theatre Major 2002

Selma Blackburn

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot's loss will be felt by many generations of students and co-workers who enjoyed and admired her.

Melinda Andersen

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My daughter took from Miss Dot and we have many wonderful memories of her encouraging Kati in her dance.

Judi Casavechia

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

There are so many memories and stories to share about Dot. I learned so much from her and admired her as a person, artist, and teacher. She touched so many lives in a beautiful way including mine. Miss Dot you will be missed. I know you will have all the angels dancing together and having fun soon.

Scarlet White-Acklin

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My thought and prayers go out to the family of Dot. No one could count the infinite lives that Dot touched. I was one of those lives. There will not be another Dot.

Scarlet
www.acklinvalley.com

Judy Baker Goss

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot was a rare combination of talent and generosity, whose presence always made a positive difference. I treasure the times our paths crossed in theatre. Bless her spirit, which will continue to shine in the memories of her many friends and fans.

John Thompson

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As a former UALR student, I'll never forget Miss Dot's beauty, talent, encouragement, and patience. Farewell to a graceful and gracious Lady. Brava!

Jackie, Angela, Alexis Moore and Lisa Miller-Canady

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot truly touched our family's life and gave us belief that helped the personal esteem of our girls; even before my baby Alexis was out of the baby carrier, Dot planted a seed that she would be a dancer by looking at her feet (smile) and saying she had "dancer's feet". To this day, Alexis dances in an ensemble company in her college years. We loved her spirit of equality for all and desire to help all she came in contact with. All of our daughters were attendees of Dance-Gymnastics and appreciated their time of "planting the seed" of self-discipline for not just dance but anything they were to do. Our prayers are with the family at this time.

Deborah Rudolph

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear family of Dot,

Please accept my deepest sympathy at this time of missing Dot. I am one of the many people whose life she touched with her talent, character, and joy. As an adult I studied dance at her studio (and even had some classes with Dorothy, but was old enough to be her mother). Dot and her mom were always there to offer a smile, encouragement, and an example of how to meaningfully contribute to the next
generation. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know them both. Dot taught me not only how to dance, but how to live with greater generosity and grace and she will always be in my heart.

My prayers for comfort and strength are with you and praise for the Dot's wonderful legacy.

Sincerely, Deborah Rudolph

LeAnn Alexander Smoot-Waddle

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

What a wonderful influence in the world...I would not be who I am today without her influence. May her spirit be remebered always with a grand, gracious smile.

Dr. Ralph A. Hyman

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My condolences to the family of Miss Dot. She will be missed by a great number of devoted students and all of us who loved her.

Mark and Mary Ann Hansen

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Both of us were fortunate to work with Miss Dot at Murry's for many years. She was a great lady,a kind lady,...we will never forget her and how she took such good care of her mother Miss Flo. We are so sadden by her death,she will be missed by many.
Love,
Mark and Mary Ann Hansen

Bobby and Gail Gravett

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dot was such a super person, she will be missed by many. We didn't get to see her as much as we would have liked, but when we did she was such an enjoyable person. You're in our prayers and on our prayer list at Lakeview Baptist Church.
Love, Bobby and Gail

Elaine & Lloyd Shnaekel

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Lloyd & I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the family, especially John, Tamra and Haley. May God be your comfort during this time in the way that only He can.

Pam Wood Hodges

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As a mom, Miss Dot made you feel that she loved and cared for your child as much as you did! As the years went by, I realized that Miss Dot did care for Natalie like her own child. She will always have a special place in our hearts.

Jennifer Boccarossa

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our prayers are with your family. Miss Dot was my first and last dance teacher and she was wonderful she will be greatly missed but her contributions and her love will live on.

Crystal Barr-Balentine

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It's tough to find out the right words to say how much I loved Miss Dot. She was like a second mother to me and so it's twice as hard losing her since I just lost my own mother on February 4 of this year. She taught me so much more than how to dance. She taught me respect and patience when caring for a loved one as I saw her take care of her own mother for many years. She lived a great life and my deepest sympathies go to her family and friends who loved her as much as I did.

Michael Upson

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My prayers are with Johnny and family, and her many friends that loved Dot so well. Dot has said to me many times, "child I nearly rased you" and she did. She was my first dance instructor and I danced for Dot at the University. Dot was much more than my teacher, she was my friend and I love her and will miss her greatly. I know she is dancing and wearing that cap now in heaven.
Michael Upson

Jeanne Percefull

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot was very special to my daughter,Brandi, and our family. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family. God bless.

Erin Wheatley Parker

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Miss Dot, you were always a voice of encouragement and praise. You brought so much love to the world of dance. I will miss you terribly.

Much Love,
Erin Wheatley Parker

Laurie Pascale

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Knew Miss Dot from UALR and Murry's. Will miss her and her encouragement terribly. God Bless

Ken & Janet Shuttleworth Sean & Ian The boys

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Janet and I are so very sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do for you just come next door.

lasa robertson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Thank you Miss Dot for teaching me so much about life. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Hannah Voboril

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I had the great honor of taking ballet from Miss Dot at UALR for two years. I greatly enjoyed her teaching, her passion, and her love for dance and her students. She was one of the best dance teachers I have ever had. I know she will be greatly missed. She and her family will remain in my prayers.

Teresa Clark

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

What a shock to here of the loss of such a great lady. She was truly an original and will be missed by all that loved her. My prayers go out to all her family and friends.

Chad and Tonia Odom

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John and Tamra,

I am very sorry to her of the loss of your Aunt. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Glen Gilbert

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rest in peace, my partner, my friend. God Bless You. Much love, Glen

Leigh Anne Embrey-Marchesi

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Oh, Miss Dot....I will miss you so much. You were a wonderful teacher, and I learned so much from you. You always gave me such a boost of confidence as a young (and not-so-young) dancer, and I hope that's something I will always keep with me. Thank you. Go in Grace, Dot.

"Dot Callahan taught me everything I know...."

Jennifer Haire

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

This is for the family and friends of Miss Dot, people too numerous to count:

How does someone even begin to comment on someone as special and genuine as Miss Dot? She was a dancer and artist in the truest sense of the words. It is impossible to write here everything that she has done for me, and everything she has meant to me, and the dance community at large. She has been my mentor, friend and one of my greatest supporters for the past 17 years. Her creativity and energy were unparalled but were surpassed by her generousity of spirit, compassion and eagerness to share her art with others. I will never take for granted all of the things she taught me both personally and professionally. She is dearly loved and will be missed everyday.

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