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On
Monday 12th July several hundred people from across
the dance world attended a memorial service in
honour of Joyce Percy at St Paul’s Church,
Covent Garden in London.
The
sheer number of people who came to pay their respects
clearly demonstrated the high esteem in which
Joyce was held but it was the personal tributes
given by her colleagues and friends that showed
how fondly she was regarded.
The service, conducted by The Reverend Mark Oakley,
was a joyous occasion which included tributes
from June Rycroft, Daphne Peterson, Sue Passmore,
Doreen Wells, Marchioness of Londonderry, Kasper
Cornish and Betty Laine OBE. In addition the choirs
of Italia Conti Academy, Bird College, Laine Theatre
Arts and Performers College produced performances
that I am sure all who attended found both poignant
and uplifting. Our thanks must go to all the colleges
and their pianists and students for their contributions.
Please note for those of you who were unable to
attend the Memorial Service there is still an
opportunity to obtain copies of the Memorial Service
programme, please contact the Marketing
and Publicity Department at ISTD HQ.
Patricia Prime
Tributes
To
me the most important and enjoyable part of working
with Joyce was the years from 1974 to 1998 when
we were the Chairmen of our respective Faculties.
Joyce
was passionately committed to building a close
liaison between the Imperial Classical Ballet
and the Modern Theatre Dance Faculties, and I
was always deeply aware of the enrichment and
security this gave.
Her warmth, her wisdom and her breadth of vision
were unique, and she possessed the rare quality
of seeing what could be achieved and following
the project through to completion.
I
had the honour and the privilege of working with
her for nearly a quarter of a century.
Murielle
Ashcroft
My
love and admiration for Joyce Percy knows no bounds.
She was a true colleague and friend who had the
gift of seeing and achieving the best in every
situation.
Our
friendship grew when in 1974/1975 she took a sabbatical
and we ‘met up’ two or three times
on a lengthy overseas tour of Canada/USA and shared
an apartment for a month in Calgary. There was
much ‘coming and going’ but when we
were there together we burnt the midnight oil
reminiscing and putting the world to rights!
I
will never forget her kindness - and her strength
and her fortitude in her illness. God Bless you
Joyce.
Patricia
Crail
You
saw the potential of a very average little dancer
in her first Sunshine Dancing Competition, singled
her out and sowed the seeds of possibility. Many
years later you recognised the desire of a young
teacher entering Imperial Ballet Majors in quick
succession and consequently forged a lifetime
devotion.
You
advised me on my Fellowship, subsequent appointment
as an Examiner and watched my progress with interest
throughout many countries. You encouraged and
facilitated many international assignments. For
your vision, wisdom, artistry and extraordinary
gifts I offer my eternal admiration. You will
always be with me.
Pamela
Eddleston
My
recollections of Joyce come from earlier days
than most would imagine. As a youngster of some
15 years, I was a student at the well respected
Bush Davies School of Dancing in Romford, Essex.
The
trio of excellent teachers included one Joyce
Percy. Gifted with the patience of a saint in
dealing with the trio of boys on the books at
that time, she found, I am sure, Stanley Holden
and me the most trying! The excellent tuition
was most useful to me when I moved into the Ballroom
dancing field, and Stanley, of course moved on
to the Royal Ballet, so we both gleaned so much
from Joyce and the Bush Davies Team.
Years
later, when Joyce and I met, on occasion, at Imperial
functions, she was the same delightful lady, with
such easy conversation, and a pleasant air, that
I am not sure I deserved! Delightful memories
of a lovely lady, so sadly missed.
Peter
Eggleton
Living
in South Africa I had only ever seen photographs
of Miss Percy. At my first ‘live’
contact with her, I recognised her immediately
by the smile and beautiful white hair. My first
impression of her never left me - ‘What
a lovely lady!’
Joyce
Percy was always kind and thoughtful, always ready
to lend a helping hand. She was always quick to
congratulate anyone on their examination results
(even if she'd examined them personally) and on
any achievement in their various faculties.
I
feel privileged to have known her and to have
shared in some small part her enormous influence,
dedication, love, care, help and knowledge.
Veronica
Esterhuizen
To
me as a little girl you were always the lovely
lady with the encouraging smile but even so, I
was terribly in awe... then came the day when
you actually spoke to me for the first time -
just at the moment when I was utterly speechless,
due to the most enormous, horrible bright pink
gobstopper! I just didn't know what to do with
it - or myself! But you still smiled.
Thank
you Miss Percy for giving me such happy memories
of growing up within ‘the Imperial family’.
I feel so lucky and proud to have been a little
part of your era. May those traditions you held
so dear live on for many generations to come.
Francesca
Filpi
Whether
as a teacher or choreographer, Joyce Percy was
renowned for her artistry and musicality as well
as demanding a sound technique. Her artistic legacy
is evident in the work of her Bush Davies students,
many of whom are now well known as dancers and
teachers.
The
dancers of the future will also be inspired, when
working on the variations and enchaînements
that she arranged whilst Chairman of the Imperial
Ballet Faculty: in particular, the studies that
she created for Advanced 2 examination syllabus.
This choreography challenges the dancer to strive
for a level of musicality and artistry that had
not been previously required from a student dancer.
Heather
Fish
Joyce
Percy was one of the great ladies of our profession.
She had such love and passion for everything she
did and I owe her an enormous personal debt. She
gave me some of the happiest and most rewarding
times of my career during all those many wonderful
years I spent under her direction at Bush Davies.
Joyce's dedication, sense of humour and generosity
were so special, and I, like everyone who knew
her, will miss her very much.
Frank
Freeman
My
friendship with Joyce Percy goes back well over
fifty years, which has made our relationship very
special. Indeed, Joyce herself was very special.
She has always met the various challenges, which
she has encountered during her life and her career
with fortitude. Her charm and diplomacy will long
be remembered.
I
have always thought of her as central to the ISTD
and am certain that her name will become a legend
within the Society to whom she has given so much
over such a long period.
Dame
Beryl Grey DBE, ISTD Life President
Joyce
Percy made an outstanding contribution to the
development of the ISTD in her position as Chairman.
All of us associated with the Society owe her
a great debt of gratitude. I was delighted to
see this recognised when she was honoured at the
ISTD Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony early
this year. My only regret was that I was unable
to present the Award to her in person, as it was
always a joy to be in her company.
Robert
Grover, ISTD Chairman
Joyce
Percy was an elegant, charming and understanding
person.
Wherever
she travelled, at home or abroad, she was greeted
with great respect and admiration. She was a wonderful
ambassador and leader of the Imperial Society.
It has been an honour to have known her.
Robert
Harrold
‘Miss
Joyce’ as she always was to me, how she
always remained and how she will always be. A
very special lady.
Doreen
Hermitage
I
have known Joyce for many years, but it was only
on moving to England that I came to know her really
well. Because of work commitments, I had decided
to settle in Essex, and so one day I climbed aboard
a train with a ticket to Shenfield and when I
got to Romford I thought ‘Hello, this is
where Joyce Percy lives. This is where Bush Davies
was. Yes, let’s look at Romford!’
So we found our way to Heath Park Road and telephoned
her number from my mobile. Joyce opened the door
and how wonderful to see her friendly face. From
that moment, she made us feel welcome and treated
us like her family.
I
spent countless happy hours with her, talking
about dance and theatre, going to see as many
performances as her failing health would permit,
and being introduced to her wonderful friends.
I
was with her in good times and bad, and watched
how bravely she fought her illness. However down
she felt, she always managed a smile when I walked
in - she always seemed happy to see us. We enjoyed
so many happy times, sometimes just sitting quietly
with her while she rested and tried to recover
a little strength.
Joyce
dear, I miss you so much. I’m sure you have
St Peter and the whole company of heaven doing
daily class! Thank you for being you. Thanks for
all you have done for all of us. Rest in Peace.
Trevor
Hicks
There
were two different sides to Joyce, both equally
wonderful.
Professionally
her expertise was consummate, leaving a legacy
of sensitivity and musicality for aspiring dancers
and teachers alike. Outside studio life was the
unpretentious home-loving person with a personality
that was warm and gentle, always spiced with a
sense of fun. I feel fortunate that I'm able to
call on many years of friendship, dating from
when she first attended Marjorie Davies School
at Romford. So there are many special memories
that will always be treasured.
Sheila
Holt
We
had many happy times to remember about Joyce Percy.
Cruising up the Yarra with thirty ISTD teachers
and partners on board. Travelling up to Ferny
Creek on our examiner’s track, and sparkling
dinners on the 35th floor at the Regent Hotel
with Melbourne spread out as far as the eye could
see, like fairy-land.
Joyce
Percy came to Australia with a message ‘one
voice’: she was a tower of strength, ‘she
got things done!’ She was the inspiration
for the Imperial Jewel Award held in Melbourne,
Australia for the last 10 years, similar to the
Imperial Ballet Awards in London. Joyce Percy
was the most splendid jewel in the crown, she
dedicated her life to the Imperial Society and
we miss her sorely.
This
poem was written in her honour at one of the dinners:
Joyce
Percy's visit
Miss Percy comes from England,
Where she's head of the ISTD,
Since she came all this way to see us,
We put on the 'billy' for tea.
She's such a charming lady,
With such a pleasant smile,
We’re glad she came to see us,
If for but a little while.
I propose a toast to Miss Percy,
Raise your glasses take a sip,
May you enjoy your visit,
And have a lovely trip.
East
Tower Suite, Regent Hotel, Melbourne, 26 guests,
24th Jan 1994.
Cherill
Rowston Hunter, Aleck, Giselle Hunter and the
Imperial Teachers Melbourne, Australia
In
her position as Chairman of the ISTD, Joyce Percy
always took a personal and kindly interest in
the staff at Headquarters, right through from
the cleaning staff to those ‘at the top’
who ran the organisation. She was unfailing in
her generosity and displayed a fierce loyalty
to those she regarded as her friends. Following
her retirement, she was much missed and we were
sad to hear details of her deteriorating health.
We hope she now rests in peace.
ISTD
staffSo many have gained so much from her teaching
and guidance. Over her long life she contributed
an immense amount to dance in this country. The
Imperial Ballet Faculty flourished under her direction.
She is a great loss to British dance and will
be remembered with warmth and affection.
Brenda
Last
In
1980, when I first arrived at Bush Davies, little
did I know that my association with Joyce Percy
would continue for so long. She was kind and warm
and friendly and comfortable to be with, and immediately
made me feel welcome. She was always ready to
praise (or reprimand) both students or staff,
as the occasion saw fit.
At
the end of an examination session or when one
had choreographed a part of the school show or
after a day of adjudicating for the Imperial Ballet
Awards, Joyce was always there at the end with
a handwritten note of thanks. She was a very gracious
lady.
Alex
Morrow
I
was privileged to be a student of Joyce Percy
in the early fifties and well remember her incredible
eye for detail and ability to remember the faults
of all her students.
I
carried her words of wisdom with me throughout
my student days at the Royal Ballet School and
ensuing career in the theatre, and finally to
Australia where my wife Jacqui Johnson (Imperial
examiner) and I had the pleasure of having Joyce
stay in our Adelaide home on several occasions.
Kenneth
Norman and Jacqui Johnston
Joyce
was a wonderful, lifelong friend - who will be
impossible to replace. Our lives have been so
closely linked over the years. We were students
together at the first Bush Davies residential
school in Hertfordshire and became teachers and
examiners under the guidance of dear Marjorie
Davies at the Romford school.
We
were always there for each other throughout the
whole of our lives and I will forever feel that
she is still with me.
Daphne
Peterson
When
I think of Miss Joyce, the words that come to
mind are; warm, loving, generous, steadfast, highly
intelligent, mysterious and omnipresent. As the
unchallenged and beloved chairman of the Imperial
Classical Ballet Faculty she showed an ability
to make even the least confident teacher feel
needed and important. That was how she made me
feel. Thank you forever Miss Joyce.
Suzanne
Plante
My
initial contact with Miss Percy began when I was
a student at Bush Davies. On entering the School
at Romford, I was introduced to this inspirational
lady. Along with Marjorie Davies and Daphne Peterson,
Miss Percy taught us how true the saying is ‘To
teach is to touch a life’.
All
who came under their guidance learnt to give of
their best, to respect their art, and that all
had a talent, be it in one dance genre or another.
Students never ‘left’ Bush Davies:
Miss Percy, Miss Peterson and Miss Davies were
always there for us.
I
remember that after I had been teaching for a
number of years, Miss Percy said “Isn’t
it time you thought of becoming an ISTD examiner,
dear?” I said “Yes, Miss Percy”.
Again after more years of teaching and examining,
she said, “You are going to offer yourself
as an Imperial Ballet Committee Member, aren’t
you dear?” I said “Yes, Miss Percy”.
It took years for me not to say ‘Miss Joyce’
or ‘Miss Percy’ even after numerous
occasions of her telling me, “It’s
Joyce, dear”. This time I found it hard
to say “Yes, Joyce” in agreement.
From mentor to friend is a difficult step. I am
very lucky to say I was able to take that step;
I was able to appreciate her great humour and
realise her excellence as a raconteur. We will
all miss her, and mourn her loss, but we will
never forget the huge legacy she has left to all
into whose lives she came.
Patricia
Prime, ISTD Vice-Chairman
Mum
and I remember Miss Joyce with fond affection,
when back in the 50’s she would stay at
our house in Gosport. My late teacher, Averil
Piggott would come over, we would roll back the
carpet, re-arrange the furniture and Miss Joyce
would teach me ballet and character festival dances.
Later, at Romford, she coached me in vocational
work, always providing endless inspiration and
encouragement. Sadly missed.
Beverly
Rand
For
Miss Percy with my love and admiration. Her contribution
to dance and to the Society was invaluable. An
inspirational teacher, who was clever, intelligent,
artistic and creative. She had the rare ability
to find exactly the right words in any situation,
whether on a personal or professional level. Her
concerns for others remained constant, even when
coping with her own illness.
She
was an icon - from whom so many learned so much.
I will miss her very much.
Heather
Rees
Joyce
Percy’s contribution to the dance world
is immeasurable. Over the years she has encouraged
and nurtured children, students and teachers and
guided them on their paths to achievement. Countless
people around the world will be forever indebted
to her. Everyone at the Royal Academy of Dance
would like to take this opportunity to recognise
a lady of immense achievement.
Lynne
Wallis
Miss
Joyce Percy was the most elegant, eloquent and
gracious lady I have known. She taught me a great
deal about meetings - to make sure you had read
your minutes carefully, studied all notes etc
and be fully prepared for all questions - lessons
I will be forever grateful for.
Miss
Percy’s speeches were always very clear,
precise and very clearly delivered with always
a true sense of occasion. I will especially treasure
memories of our weekends at Worthing Congress
and our happy meals together. Thank you Joyce.
Peggy
Spencer MBE
I
first met Miss Joyce Percy at the age of 17 when
I was taken along to Bush Davies at Romford by
my dancing teacher, Gillian Farr (herself a former
pupil of the School). I assisted Miss Farr teaching
the juniors at her School but could not afford
to further my dance training and was not eligible
for a grant.
Left
on my own with Miss Joyce in her office, she interviewed
me making me feel very welcome. At the end of
the interview she said I could attend Bush Davies
and we worked out how much I could afford to pay
from my teaching wages. She also said that I could
work in her office before and after class at Bush
Davies. I have always appreciated the opportunity
and the warmth and kindness she gave me.
I
would, as would all the staff at Bush Davies,
go in a week early at the start of every term
and I would be treated as one of the team. Miss
Joyce would buy a small gift for all of her staff
at the end of every term and always included me
as a part of this.
Throughout
my training, teaching and examining life she has
always been there for me. Her words of encouragement
and praise never failed to inspire me. When I
went to examine at East Grinstead she would always
find the time in her busy day to come and find
me to say hello.
I
was very honoured to see Miss Joyce at every one
of Performers College’s end of year shows
and she followed our progress and success with
great enthusiasm. One of my most treasured memories
is standing in our guest area at Her Majesty’s
Theatre after one of our shows with Miss Joyce
holding my hand and saying how proud she felt.
My
career would not have been the success it is if
not for people like Miss Joyce Percy and I know
I am just one of many people whose lives have
been enriched by such a loving, caring and dignified
lady. I visited Miss Joyce in hospital and we
talked of the old Bush days. I also visited her
in the hospice the day before she passed away
and I was happy to tell her how much I loved her.
I will miss her greatly but feel that she lives
on in her students like me and I hope I pass this
on in my students.
Susan
Stephens
It
is difficult to find enough words to describe
this lovely lady who introduced me to the Imperial
work.
She
guided, helped and inspired me throughout my days
at Bush Davies School. She was an extremely good
listener, so therefore one would never hesitate
to go to her. She was the ‘Imperial’
and looking up the meaning of that word it does
portray some of her rare qualities (Majestic,
regal, grand, superior and supreme).
In
the dancing world she was creative, musical and
extremely artistic. A great lady who will be missed
by many, but never forgotten.
Rosemary
Woodd
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