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Veteran Ballet Teacher Hangs up her Shoes but the Show Will Go On
Friday 28th March 2008
Staff and dance enthusiasts at a City of Durham Leisure Centre are bidding a sad farewell to a much loved ballet teacher this week.
Pat Fergusson's popular classes have seen hundreds of
people aged from 3 to 60 put through their paces since
Abbey Leisure opened in 1991.
During her 17 years at the Centre Mrs Fergusson's classes
have flourished, with many candidates moving up the
ballet grading exams while reaping all the health
benefits dance has to offer.
Mrs Fergusson (63), who trained at London's Royal Academy of Dance says she has ' gained enormous pleasure from teaching the intricacies of ballet to beautiful music and some lovely students. It is interesting to see how they develop over the years. The students at Abbey have been terrific and I will miss them all.'
Abbey Leisure Centre Manager Paul Lysaght 'the ballet school is a unique addition to the activities provided at Abbey Leisure. Mrs Fergusson has dedicated all her time and effort in to developing the school over the past 17 years. Even when retiring she has made sure we have a replacement to carry on her hard work. The children all admire her and she will be missed dearly.'
While Mrs Fergusson will enjoy a well earned rest at home
to indulge her love of music she know her students are in
safe hands. The classes will be taken over by Mrs Joe
Blackett who also trained at The Royal Academy of
Dance.