If you’ve been to downtown Crystal Lake, no doubt you’ve seen ballerinas dancing on tippy toes through fogged windows at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet.

Members of the Crystal Lake City Council recognized Tuesday night the school’s namesake for her 40 years of teaching the dainty, difficult dance moves of ballet.

Svalander told those gathered the reason she started her school was to make sure Crystal Lake dancers under her tutelage would be taken seriously elsewhere.

More than 50 of her students surprised her, carrying carnations and roses, joining her in the City Council Chambers shortly before the mayor read a proclamation of praise.

According to her online profile, Svalander studied ballet and a number of places, including the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City

Sally Davidson, of Crystal Lake, said her 14-year-old daughter, Mary Beth Davidson, is homeschooled. Mary Beth Davidson was one of more than 50 of Svalander’s students to attend the award ceremony.

“I enrolled my daughter in ballet because I want her to grow in confidence and grace,” Sally Davidson said. “It takes a great deal of strength and readiness to get up on your toes.”

She added that her daughter would someday like to become a professional dancer or a dance instructor.