I first met Kylie 19 years ago when I was 17 years old. Her daughters Amber and Chloe enrolled at the dance school.
I remember it was viewing week and the parents were in watching the tiny tots and Chloe was about 4years old. The kids were doing their thing and I looked over and there was Kylie bopping along so enthusiastically with a huge smile on her face, such a proud Mum!
We really got to know each other when I choreographed Chloe’s first solo and we hit it off right away. Even though there was a 19-year age difference it didn’t matter, we were pals.
Over the years Kylie became more and more involved with the dance school. I was a young business owner and Kylie was there every step of the way to lend a hand and help me navigate my way through running a business. Her family and I became very close.
As time went on Kylie started running the ‘Encore Store’ she would stand at the desk and help parents and students find their way into the class rooms, help with uniforms, notes, assist with costume measurements, would sell drinks and little nic-nacs and hand out lollies to the kids. You name it she did it! She would do this all out of the kindness of her heart, all to help me. She volunteered her time for a couple of hours every afternoon to Encore. Everyone knew Kylie. Everyone loved Kylie. She was the warm face that greeted you as soon as you walked in the door.
Kylie was the heart and soul and number one supporter for the next 14 years while her girls danced from when they were tiny tots till the day they graduated.
My gratitude and love I have for her is immense. She would always be my voice of reason and always gave me honest feedback with everything; as a parent and a friend.
I don’t say this lightly when I say the I owe so much of Encores success to Kylie. She helped me when times were tough and cheered me on when things were going well.
I looked up to her for advice, I told her everything and confided in her always.
She went along with me through all my mistakes. She was there to guide, not judge. She was there to laugh with me, not lecture. My ‘unconditional’ friend. She was my person, we connected right from the beginning and I idolized her.
Everything reminds me of Kylie in the studio. Every picture on the wall has some kind of story or memory. Kylies warm greeting to every parent and child that walked through the doors will always be remembered. She had a way to make everyone feel special and welcome. I don’t know what I would have done without her for all those years.
The X factor award has always been sponsored by Kylie. She Started this award more than 15 years ago and we will continue this award indefinitely in memory of Kylie. She wanted to acknowledge the student that had that spark about them, not the best dancer, not the most technical. The one that had that special something about them, had that X factor going on!
Kylie was my bridesmaid when I got married and I am so honoured to call her my friend.
I will always cherish the days of stopping in to her house after work, having a wine and a laugh. It was those small things that may not seem like much but gave me so much joy, it bonded us, moments I will never forget.
Kylie was so down to earth, a realist. She had that spark about her, she filled up the room. The life of the party, always up for a good time. People warmed to her; she was a giver. Always so relaxed about life, it’s how we all should be. She lived her life in a carefree manor, was so easy going and kind.
She loved fiercely for those she cared about and had a heart of gold.
She would always make you feel welcome, that was just the type of person she was. Thoughtful, and loving.
She loved her girls, she loved Sean. A love so right so pure so beautiful and true.
She held her head up with dignity and grace, she was brave beyond words.
She made a huge impact on my life, not only with her gentle guidance on life’s big moments, but the little things that were so special to me. Sharing those little moments is what makes a friendship. Those moments are what I remember most. The way she would say “hey zo” or hold my face when she would kiss me on the cheek to say goodbye. Or how without fail no matter how many times I had been to her house she would walk me to my car and stand on the driveway and wave as I drove away. So full of love and purpose with everything she did. She certainly knew how to make people feel loved.
Kylie...
I’ll speak your name often.
I’ll check in on your girls. Quinn and I will stop in and have a drink with Sean.
I’ll smile when I see a succulent plant.
I’ll cheers to you when I have a wine.
I’ll laugh every time I sit on a kitchen bench and think about all the happy times we shared.
I’ll think of you within every inch of the dance school.
I’ll hear your advice with every decision I make. You always gave the best advice.
I’ll feel joy when I hear certain songs.
I’ll think you of every time I catch a fish.
I’ll miss you when I walk along the beach.
I still can’t catch a worm off the beach like you, but I will try.
I’ll smile when I smell a frangipani or coconut body butter.
I’ll miss talking to you. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I won’t see you anymore. And can’t drop in for a chat.
We are all better for have knowing you and lucky to have had you in our lives.
I will still talk to you all the time and I hope to see you in my dreams.
I’m so sad you’re gone. I’ll miss you every day.
You were my friend. And you were fabulous!
Love always,
Miss Zoe