In Memoriam: Otto Henning

The Surrey International Folk Dancers have lost a long-time folk dancer, Otto Henning, who passed away in early January. We will miss having Otto with us for our regular dance evenings and as a participant in our demonstration dances for community groups. Whether he was leading a dance, guiding others in the dance line or as a strong partner in a couples dance, Otto was able to help us all be better dancers.  No one will forget his enthusiasm for a polka or for singing along with his favorite music.

Otto loved to learn other languages and to travel. Many winters, he spent a month or more in Mexico or Thailand, taking a break from his work as a carpenter. SIFD dancers enjoyed seeing his photos and hearing stories of his adventures, and were regularly recipients of his willingness to lend books.

Otto was fond of the older dances in the international folk dance collection; in Surrey, we will think of Otto whenever we dance Tino Mori. Surrey Folk Dancers extend their condolences to his close friends and family.