We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of Cookies, Privacy Policy Term of use.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
42 views • March 17, 2018

Meet the 97-Yr-Old Ballet Dancer Still Teaching Classes at School She Founded

Tom Ozimek
A dedicated ballet dancer is still teaching at the age of 97 – in the same dance hall she set up 72 years ago. Sprightly Joyce Harper has taught generations of aspiring ballerinas at the school she founded in 1946. She still teaches lessons twice a week to dancers ranging from two to sixteen years old, and says the dance school is what “keeps her alive”. Harper, who hails from Henleaze, Bristol, was honored by an award in 2011––Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to dance. The award was presented to her by Princess Anne. Fondly known by her students as Miss Harper, she has never been married, and says she thinks of her students as her family. "I have taught ballet to generations of children,” she said.  ''I've seen some right through from they were little ones, and then see them coming back with their own children and grandchildren. "That's what makes it interesting.  I think of them as my family - and the hall is like my second home.  I do spend a lot of my time here. "I don't know what I would do with myself if I stopped teaching there.  It keeps me going, it keeps me interested." Her fellow teachers at Henleaze School of Dance describe Joyce as an “amazing woman” and say that “dance is her life.” "I think she'll still be going when she's 100.  I think if she gave up now it would be the finish of her.  She loves it so much," said Anne Choules, 79, who has been assisting Joyce at the school for 20 years. Joyce founded Henleaze School of Dance, in St Peter's Hall, when she was just 26 years old. Rosemary Carrington, 59, who teaches alongside Joyce, said "She's amazing.  She's got the mindset of a dancer - never give in. "Even when she had her accident in June 2014 - she was back in the studio in September. "Mentally, she's still all there. She's so active. We all love her."
Show All
Comment 0