An inspirational woman credited with teaching thousands of Bristolians to dance has died aged 106. Angela Redgrave – who two years ago was the oldest recipient of a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours list – became principal of Bristol School of Dancing in 1970.
Despite passing the reins to daughter Felicity in recent years she continued to be involved, even teaching children online during lockdown. A spokesman for the school said on Saturday: “It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Miss Angela Redgrave.
“A wonderful and beautiful lady who was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.” Miss Redgrave was born in Finchley in London in 1917 and grew up in Watford, where she learned to dance.
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After the Second World War, she moved to Somerset and restarted her teacher training to launch her own dance school. She then took over The Bristol School of Dancing, following the retirement of its owner, which she built into a highly successful venture from Lansdown Road in Clifton.
The citation accompanying the 2022 British Empire Medal said Miss Redgrave had “influenced many children and young people in such a positive way...many thousands of children have learned about dance performance and the creative arts. As principal of the Bristol School of Dancing over so many years, she has extended the opportunity to dance and learn to children who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.
“She has welcomed children from all backgrounds and ethnicities and was inclusive of children with physical disabilities. It is no exaggeration to say that thousands of pupils have experienced her devotion to their training, along with her close attention to their wellbeing over many years.”
Speaking at the time of the award Miss Redgrave, who herself started dancing at the relatively late age of 10, said: “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.”
News of Miss Redgrave’s death on Saturday quickly sparked scores of online tributes from past pupils and parents of those whose children’s lives had been enhanced by her enthusiasm and dedication.
Among those paying their respects on Facebook was Kathryn James, who said: “Very sad news to wake up to this morning. The end of a legendary era for The Bristol School of Dancing.
"Sending condolences to Felicity, John and Melanie. Her legacy will live on: ‘Not all the flowers bloom at the same time’. was one of her phrases I always remember.”
Matthew Harris-Mills added: “Miss Redgrave as we know was a truly inspirational lady. Personally I will never forget her nurturing from age four and her belief and encouragement that led me to audition for the Royal Ballet School and led to a 30-year journey into dance.”
