A former dance teacher and studio owner was honored Friday evening by her students and coworkers during a gala event celebrating the arts.

Janet Cox, who until just a few months ago operated Le Moulin Rouge de Danse, has retired and she and husband Charles have moved to Tennessee. But the couple were back in Washington for the studio’s end-of-the-season recital held at Washington High School’s performing arts center.

Cox thought she was there to lend moral support to the studio’s staff and young dancers, but they had other plans for her. As the recital got underway she was called to the stage and presented gifts for her new home. New owner ShannonReising and instructor Angela Sawyer paid tribute to Cox, as did a number of her former students dating back to the 1980s.

A special surprise guest was Cox’s daughter, McKenna, who flew in from New York to share the evening with her parents. The younger Cox is pursing an acting career in the Big Apple.

“It was really bittersweet coming back for the recital, having a different job and not being in charge anymore,” Janet Cox said after the event. “It was surreal and the first time I sat in the audience!”

Cox said she was unaware a tribute had been planned.

“The surprise of my previous students coming and my daughter being here … it was overwhelming, my heart was just so full,” she said. “I just appreciate everybody showing such warmth and compassion toward me.”

There were more than a few tears shed during the presentation, particularly by former Le Moulin Rouge de Dansestudents.

“I’ve danced with her since I was 3 and she was more than just a dance teacher; she was a mom, mentor, friend,” said Kaitlyn Corey, class of 2011. “I could go to her for anything; I love her so much.”

Marieca Timour, also a member of the studio’s class of 2011, said Cox was a big influence in her career choice.

“I danced with her for 10 years and she was the one who inspired me to want to teach,” Timour said. “I worked with her for five years as an assistant teacher and she was just so helpful. I love her to death.”

Kiki Hampton likened Friday’s event to a homecoming for Cox’s former students.

“It’s so great to be back,” said Hampton, a member of the class of 1993. “Janet is truly an inspiration to me; she was my introduction to the arts.”

Caroline Phillips, class of 2007, also weighed in on her friendship with Cox.

“She changed my life … she absolutely changed my life,” Phillips said of her friend and former teacher. “Janet has been a role model for me for a major portion of my life and she taught me a confidence I never knew I had. I don’t know where I’d be without her.”

Janet and Charles Cox are settling into a community near Nashville with the goal of pursing their mutual interest in music. Both said they will miss Washington but are excited about the new direction in which their lives are taking them.

Meanwhile, Le Moulin Rouge de Danse continues under the capable leadership of Reising. Classes have ended for now, to resume in September, but Reising and her staff are busy preparing for summer camps they will host in a few weeks.