Tribute to Peter Varley

July 13th 2005 was a sad day for me when I lost my friend and colleague, Peter Varley. He and his devoted partner, Jill, had been part of my life for many years, and we had enjoyed many happy social occasions together. We had known each other on a casual basis for some years when, in 1976, Peter and I were appointed as examiners of the ISTD. Also appointed at the same time were Marion Brown and Daphne Wellington, and the "Gang of Four", as we called ourselves, all became firm friends. On the occasion of our 20th anniversary as examiners we all met in Salisbury for a celebration dinner, and then again five years later in Worthing to mark our "quarter century". Sadly, now, there won't be a 30th anniversary.

Peter started his love affair with dancing when Purley Ice Rink, where he enjoyed skating, was turned into a ballroom. After a reluctant start, he was soon "hooked" on dancing and took to the competition floor where a successful career quickly developed. With his partner Diana Talbot, he went on to reach the finals of the International, Star and World Professional Latin American Championships. After their retirement from the competitive scene, Peter and Diana taught for some years in Margate, and then Peter moved to Essex and opened his studio in Leigh on Sea. Twenty years later he moved on, with Jill, to the present studio in Shoebury.

During this time Peter enjoyed much success as a Sequence dance inventor, achieving many winning dances. His 1971 winner, Rumba One, is one of the most popular dances ever, a perennial favourite for social dances, medal tests and competitions.

Peter was a quiet and private man, impeccably mannered and always meticulously well groomed. The very antithesis of an "open book", his personality gradually unfolded as you got to know him, and to know him was to like him. His quiet exterior hid a mischievous sense of humour and when he saw the funny side of something his face would crease up, his shoulders shake with mirth, and tears roll down his face-all without uttering a sound. My house is home to a large collection of teddy bears, and after a visit from Peter and Jill I would often find some of them standing on their heads or precariously balanced one on top of the other - "doing their exercises", Peter would explain when challenged.

A supremely professional man, sensitive and caring, Peter will be greatly missed. I have not only lost a colleague, but a friend.

Margaret Connon

I first knew Peter Varley in the 60' s when we were competing in Latin American, as was Peter with his then partner Diana Talbot. His dancing was in the original Latin style with the emphasis on rhythm and control.

Later on, in 1976, we were both appointed as examiners of the ISTD. This meant that I then got to know him as a private person, and always very much enjoyed his company and his sharp sense of humour. He was quietly spoken and this could be deceptive because he had strong opinions and high standards which he carried into his life and his work.

He will be sadly missed.

Marion Brown

I count myself incredibly fortunate that when I chose to take professional training, my first call was to Peter Varley.

I still remember my first trip to Shoebury Dance Centre, entering the door clutching a sheaf of amateur medal test reports. Peter, of course, looked on them very kindly, and then gave me my first lesson, taking me back to the beginnings of the Ballroom technique. I am proud to say that from that first day Peter trained and guided me through all of my professional qualifications.

I am deeply indebted to him, not only for teaching me everything on which I base my own teaching but also for so much more. His qualities far surpassed his knowledge of our craft; kindness and integrity, coupled with a real sense of humour, made him a very rare and special person as well as a teacher with a great depth of knowledge and understanding.

A few times stand out in my memory. Everyone who knew Peter knew of his fondness for animals and as regular visitors we grew fond of Topy, Max and feline friends. Having a menagerie of pets myself I had become used to studying at home with the occasional hound underfoot, but it was nevertheless an experience to have the studio cat leap onto my shoulders while demonstrating in my lessons!

Time away from work is rare, but I do remember Peter and Jill visiting us through a few summers. Locally known as the "Backs", the River Cam winds its way through the beautiful grounds of the different universities that are Cambridge . A magical time was spent rowing and mooring under the willow trees to picnic together.

It was with great personal sadness that I took the news that Peter had passed away. I take comfort, though in the fact that so many of the technical hints that I pass on to pupils, were gems given to me by him and it is these, coupled with his special qualities, that will keep him in my thoughts every day.

Marion Lane

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