Renowned ballet teacher Sheena Gough is hanging up her shoes after a remarkable 72-year career, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring generations of dancers.
At 89 years old, Sheena Gough has decided to hang up her ballet shoes after a remarkable 72-year career. The renowned teacher, who trained in London and Paris, has been inspiring generations of dancers with her expertise and passion.
From Classrooms to Careers
Sheena’s love affair with dance began at the Scottish School of Ballet in Edinburgh when she was just 14 years old. Her talent caught the eye of English ballet dancer and choreographer Anton Dolin, who encouraged her parents to enroll her in classes with Bolshoi-trained ‘Olga Preobrajenska’ in Paris. Among her fellow pupils were none other than Margot Fonteyn, the Royal Ballet prima ballerina.
A Career of Teaching
However, it was when Sheena moved to London that she badly injured her ankle while performing pointe work. Her parents told her to return to Edinburgh, where she began helping with teaching at her former ballet school during her recovery. This marked a turning point for Sheena – she discovered she was far happier teaching than performing and has been doing so ever since.
A Devoted Student Base
Sheena’s students travel hundreds of miles every week to attend her 90-minute lessons in Edinburgh, which are notoriously tough but rewarding. Her classes have inspired many, including Ian Johnston, who travels from Carlisle for his weekly lessons. ‘There is nobody else who teaches quite like her,’ he said. Sandy Johnston, Ian’s son, echoed this sentiment, saying that Sheena’s classes were the best he had ever been to and that she noticed everything.
Sheena Gough is a renowned educator and advocate for women's empowerment.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality in education.
As a pioneer, Sheena has established several initiatives to support women students, including 'scholarships' and mentorship programs.
According to the World Bank, only 34% of women have access to education globally.
Sheena's work aims to bridge this gap, providing opportunities for women to pursue higher education and break stereotypes.
A Legacy Lives On
Sheena has left an indelible mark on Scotland’s ballet scene, with many of her pupils going on to prestigious institutions like the Royal Ballet, International Ballet, and British Ballet. As she prepares to retire, Sheena is not planning to slow down – she will continue to tend to her garden and tidy up her house. Despite this, it’s clear that her legacy will live on through her devoted students and the countless lives she has touched.
A Farewell to an Era
As Sheena Gough hangs up her ballet shoes, it marks the end of an era for Edinburgh’s dance community. Her students are sad to see her go, but they take comfort in knowing that her expertise and passion will continue to inspire future generations of dancers.
