NATCHEZ — The recent spring-like weather last week offered residents more than enough ways to take advantage and get outside.

Natchez native Teresa Burns is no exception.

When The Dart landed on Rankin Street on a sunny afternoon, Burns was walking her dog, Annie, in Memorial Park.

“It’s great weather. That’s why we came out,” Burns said.

Burns said she and her husband Emmett have been happily married for 46 years.

“We try to do as much together as we can,” Burns said. “We’re very involved in our children and grandchildren’s lives. We’ve gone through different jobs, deaths of parents and all the things everybody faces every day.”

A former ballet teacher of more than 30 years, Burns previously taught at Natchez Ballet.

Burns began under the tutelage of Elaine Mead before teaming with Lee Partridge and teaching locals performance dance.

Although Burns has since moved on from teaching, she still maintains a strong relationship with her former students and their families.

“I just had a passion for it,” Burns said. “I didn’t set out to teach. It just happened.”

Currently, Burns uses her talents as a bookkeeper for several outlets including Natchez resident Biff Partridge, Lee’s son.

But when Burns is not crunching the numbers, she spends her time with her four grandchildren and Annie, a miniature schnauzer.

Annie is 9 years old and has called the Burns’ residence her home for the past three years, where she continues to ‘sing’ and put a smile on everyone’s face in the Burn’s home.

“She keeps me company,” Burns said. “She’s real sweet.”