1 September 2025
Gail was a lifelong ISTD teacher and the dedicated Local Organiser for Mexico. Her passion for dance and unwavering commitment to the Society touched many lives across generations and borders. Her legacy lives on in the countless students and colleagues she inspired.
Below are tributes, gathered by Vivienne Saxton, from those who knew and loved her:
Miss Gail Clifford was truly one of a kind and the backbone of the ISTD in México. A great lady, mentor and friend. No problem was too much for her and her attention and caring for examiners visiting México was second to none making sure their every need was seen to and on their free days sightseeing and theatre. Her passion for dance she transmitted to many, many teachers and students, and the ISTD grew in México thanks to her. She leaves a big void and will be greatly missed, especially by me as she was my dear friend. May you rest in peace, dear Gail.
Written by Joan Mondellini
I am thinking of Gail’s lovely family at this very sad time and remembering the kindness that Gail showed to her pupils and to colleagues, including visiting examiners and lecturers. Gail was a dedicated organiser for the ISTD in Mexico and played a key role in expanding many of the faculties. I fondly remember my own visits to Mexico where Gail was such an important and valued member of our team. Gail encouraged all the local teachers and supported them to take higher teaching qualifications. This was central to raising standards for learning and teaching in dance in Mexico and creating more opportunities for young people to develop their skills. On a personal note, I will always remember the weekends I spent with Gail, Fernando and their family at their lakeside home.
Written by Paddy Hurlings
Rest peacefully now, free from pain and reunited with your beloved Ferdi. How we will all miss your passion for dance, all so willingly shared with the Mexican teachers and visiting examiners. Your enthusiasm for dance touched so many lives, and nothing was ever too much trouble. You always went above and beyond to ensure every need was met, with care and thoughtfulness. You gave your time, effort, and energy always so generously. The ISTD certainly had a wonderful pioneer and custodian of the work in you, and your shoes will be hard to fill. We send our love to your sons, their families, and the entire Mexican teachers who held you so close in their hearts. For me, personally, I will forever miss our time together, the long phone calls and those wonderful texts where we would set the world to rights!
Thank you, Gail, for your friendship and the joy you brought into our lives.
Written by Elizabeth Harrison
Gail Clifford was an exceptional teacher of great passion, and a steadfast advocate for the ISTD. Her unwavering commitment and vision made her an outstanding organiser for Mexico, enabling the system to grow and flourish. She worked tirelessly to raise the ISTD standard in our country, always seeking improvement and encouraging teachers to develop their skills. She inspired colleagues to attend courses, and was always generous in sharing her knowledge with others.Gail extended warmth and hospitality to every examiner who visited Mexico, ensuring they felt welcome, valued, and at home.
It was my privilege to know her both as a friend and as a mentor. I joined the ISTD because of her, she changed my life, as she did the lives of many other teachers. Mexico was truly fortunate to have had such a remarkable lady in its midst.
She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.
Written by Andrea Andraca
Gail’s impact on the ISTD in Mexico and the wider dance community will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.
