At Curio Dance, our Values represent the characteristics of how we want to act and lead as a performing arts organization. Those values are informed directly by our family roots that helped set our core strength as a family-run company. We honor the memories of three respected family members: Clarence, Viola and Patricia Schaber.
Clarence “Lefty” Schaber
1923-2010
Father to Patricia and Grandfather to Dario, Giselle, Camilo and Nicole, Clarence was an extraordinary achiever, driven by principle, who lived the values of hard work and perseverance.
Lefty grew up on a farm in New Hope. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1941, where he was a star quarterback on the football team, a lightweight wrestler, and played on the baseball team where he earned the nickname “Lefty.”
Lefty served in World War II, landing on Normandy beach in the night and paratrooping into enemy territory. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service, which included leading his platoon as a scout after Battle of the Bulge.
Returning to Minnesota after the war, Lefty met and married the love of his life: Viola Ahlstrom.
Viola Schaber
1925-2022
Viola was a woman of extraordinary grace ahead of her time who made a difference in the world in her own way — quietly, and intentionally.
Born and raised in Rogers Minnesota, Viola Ahlstrom graduated from Elk River High School. She was so determined to get a higher education, Viola hitched a ride from a local chicken farmer on his way to the stockyards in Minneapolis. She was dropped off at Comstock Hall at the University of Minnesota, and completed one year of college.
As the United States entered World War II, Viola wanted to help in her own way. She applied and was selected to become an “engineerette” at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan.
When the war ended she returned to Rogers and married Lefty.
Lefty and Viola married in 1948, making Rogers, Minnesota, their home. They grew their family to include four daughters: Nancy, Patricia, Roberta, and Geri. Family was a source of pride and unconditional love for them both.
Lefty worked tirelessly, serving 20 years as the Rogers Postmaster, as well as 50 years as a State Farm insurance agent, and kept a real estate business which built homes in Rogers and restored historic buildings on Main Street. Viola was Lefty’s partner in all things, working part-time as a postal clerk in Rogers; the family used her earnings to pay their daughters’ college tuition. They were always proud of their daughters and their achievements.
Community was like an extended family to Lefty and Viola. As serving his country was a tremendous source of pride for Lefty, he built a Memorial Garden in Rogers, Minnesota in honor of two fallen local heroes. Lefty also continued his love of baseball, helping the Rogers town team win two state championships (1959, 1962). Viola’s favorite sports were golf and tennis, games that she played through her 80’s and 90’s. Viola won a silver medal in tennis pairs at the National Senior Olympic Summer Games during 2005 and 2007, and played on the Glen Lake Senior golf league.
Creative expression mattered to Lefty and Viola, and they shared their talents in their own ways. Lefty, with his witty sense of humor, could tell stories that held his audiences spellbound. Viola expressed her artistry through paintings (oil and water color), quilting, and sewing.
They believed that their wealth multiplied when they shared it, and practiced philanthropy in their own, private way. Lefty and Viola found great joy when they could help others in need.
Patricia Schaber
Matriarch of the Mejia Family
Patricia Schaber, the matriarch of our family business, is a philanthropist and fierce defender of the arts and her children: Dario, Giselle, Camilo, and Nicole. Patricia made immense sacrifices to provide for her children’s dance education, always putting them first. Her passion for the arts and unwavering determination have shaped both their lives and the foundation of Curio Dance.
Patricia is the daughter of Clarence and Viola Schaber and grew up in Rogers, Minnesota. She served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador and holds a Ph.D. in Family Social Science with a minor in Aging Research from the University of Minnesota. Currently, she is a professor in the Program in Occupational Therapy and Division of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota, where she continues to impact the next generation of students.
Behind the scenes at Curio Dance, Patricia is a tireless force—skillfully navigating business and family dynamics. As the family often says, “she is a work horse, not a show pony,” exemplifying her grit, strength, and determination in everything she does. Additionally, Patricia shares her passion for wellness by teaching gentle yoga at Curio, bringing her warmth and expertise to the studio.
Her fiscal and physical contributions have been the backbone of Curio’s success, and her tireless advocacy ensures that the arts remain accessible to everyBODY. We are deeply honored to celebrate Patricia’s boundless energy, love, and commitment to our family and the future of the arts.
Our Supporters
Major support for Curio Dance is generously provided by: 
