A 104-year-old dance teacher has spoken of her delight at being awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of a lifetime of work dedicated to the arts.
Angela Redgrave, who was born in Finchley in 1917, has been the principal of the Bristol School of Dancing since 1970, having started dancing herself at the relatively late age of 10.
The centenarian, who now lives in Bristol, spoke of her delight at being awarded the BEM for services to dance.
She said: “I am very well at the moment and very happy and, of course, I feel very honoured to be presented with such a lovely award."
“When I found out, ‘I thought why have I got this?’ Of course, apart from that, naturally honoured, very pleased and very happy.”
After the Second World War, Miss Redgrave moved to Somerset and restarted her teacher training to launch her own dance school, where she has since taught thousands of young people.
When she started dancing as a child, she was taught the Royal Academy of Dancing Syllabus, which she has continued to follow today.
Her commitment and professionalism has previously been recognised with a lifetime achievement award by The Royal Academy of Dance.
Daughter Felicity Redgrave, who now runs the dance school, said: “She is still very dedicated to her beloved Bristol School of Dancing.
“She’s incredibly honoured to have been awarded this British Empire Medal and not a little bit surprised.
“It is a lifelong commitment and dedication to dance and teaching, teaching children and young people.”
During the coronavirus lockdown she organised along with her daughter, the online teaching of pupils.
Felicity said: “Dance is something that everybody can do, and we want to be very open to all children, from whatever background, to come and take part because it should be available for everybody.
“The lockdown hasn’t done anyone any favours at all, as we know it’s been dreadful for everybody, but the young people have been really adversely affected.
“I now run the Bristol School of Dancing but she’s still very much got her fingers in the pie and it is her baby.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here