Meet Oprah's Teacher

Posted by Barbara Pytel Nov 16, 2007

Shirley Murray retired from the University of Calgary after a 39-year career at the age of 60. Her position was Professor of Dance. Instead of putting her feet up and resting after a job well done, she headed for Oprah's School in Johannesburg.

In May, Murray wrote to Oprah's Windrey's Leadership Academy and expressed interest in teaching there. She didn't hear anything for several months and suddenly received a letter asking her to begin teaching at the all-girls academy in September of 2007.

As a volunteer, Murray will be teaching 12 and 13-year-old students Laban dance method. "It's very much a personal development process and it's using dance and a love of language as a tool to actually have them feel better about themselves and get to know themselves a little bit more," Murray said.

Murray is no stranger to media. Murray was the head choreographer for the opening ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. So, while in Africa, she will be assisting the with the 2010 soccer World Cup's opening ceremonies.

Murray also has plans to set up a student exchange program with the University of Calgary and South Africa. [ctv.ca, August 13, 2007]

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Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.