Velthuisen van der Blij shared her remarkable journey from her birthplace in Rijswijk, Holland, to becoming a major figure in Minnesota's arts scene. She began her ballet training in Holland before moving to Paris, where she studied under the renowned instructor Madame Nora. Her career took her to the United States when her husband accepted a position with Holiday Inn, first landing in Memphis, Tennessee, where she worked as a ballet mistress for the Memphis Ballet.

Eventually settling in Minnesota, Velthuisen van der Blij founded the Continental Ballet Company in Bloomington, establishing the company's first studio on Nesbitt Avenue. Over three and a half decades, the company has become a cornerstone of the local arts community, earning recognition for its artistic excellence and contributions to dance education in the region.

The council's recognition of Velthuisen van der Blij highlighted the importance of community support in sustaining the arts. Her work has garnered national attention, including an award from the prestigious Kennedy Center for her choreography of "Cinderella." The meeting underscored how the Continental Ballet Company has enriched Bloomington's cultural landscape and the surrounding areas through professional performances and ballet instruction.

The "Notable Neighbor" designation reflects the city's appreciation for individuals who have made significant contributions to the community's quality of life and cultural vitality.