Legacy Dance Foundation

This year we have a new scholarship that honors those who were taken too soon.

Through dance we aim to carry their legacy forward and make them proud.

This scholarship is one way we hope to honor their memory 🕊️

The time is finally here to announce our 2025-2026 Scholarship recipients! Starting off with none other than our Barbara Pattison-Lehning Scholarship. Please read her story below, as her legacy is an instrumental part of our foundation 💚

Barbara Pattison-Lehning was a Washington State resident her entire life. She earned her Bachelor’s in Communications from The University of Washington and a Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University. Through much of the 70’s and 80’s, Barbara was an advocate for students with special needs and learning disabilities within the Washington state public school system. She worked on local school boards, Seattle City Council, and the state government. She also had the opportunity to meet 3 Presidents, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Barbara was a selfless care giver, constantly putting the needs of others before her own. She was active in her community and served on several local boards. She had a passion for life which included the love of the arts, food, wine, and conversation. She loved travel and adventure and lived every day to its fullest, even while being treated for brain cancer. In fact, one of her last adventures was a 13,000 foot skydive! Her favorite song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra and she embodied this, living her life “her way”. Her legacy motto was “Make every day an adventure”.

Barbara’s granddaughter is an accomplished dancer and Barb never missed a chance to watch Madison dance. She even danced together with her granddaughter in her final performance of the Nutcracker when she was a senior in high school.

This scholarship is provided by Barbara’s twin daughters, Trishawn Kipp and Kim Landesberg, who hope that their mother’s adventurous spirit and zest for life will be carried forward by those who remember her and are influenced by her legacy.

Multiple members of the board were so moved by story and talent that she was selected for an additional scholarship, one honoring Joe Dizon, an incredible father who passed away unexpectedly this past spring.

A message from his daughter,

My dad had a smile that could bring light to anyone that was struggling. He was an artist, a problem solver, a dreamer, and an amazing father. He always found ways to put others’ needs before his own while still staying true to himself. He put his family above everything else, especially me.

He was the number one dance dad everywhere we went. He would not hesitate to pitch in whether it was building props, staying late to help clean the studio, running errands for the kids and teachers, designing shirts for events, or even taking a few dance classes himself. He did it all.

My dad found joy in every little thing life threw at him. From the hardest of days to the most fun, he always had a giant smile on his face. His recognizable laugh could be heard from another room and his joy was truly contagious.

My dad put everything he had into his life and could creatively solve any problem he faced. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. His love still lives on in everyone he has touched.

Scholarship funds are going out today to our 23 2024/2025 scholarship recipients! These dancers represent 8 states including Texas, Washington, California, Maryland, Illinois, Georgia, New York and Arizona. We are so proud of this group of dancers. Talent, character, work ethic and passion! 💚