Tributes paid to "much-loved" dance teacher

Monday 30 October 2023

Tributes have been paid – and chiffon scarves wafted – to a “much-loved” dance teacher and local legend in Jersey’s performing arts scene who passed away last week.

Annette Perkins – “Miss P” – taught ballet and classical Greek dance to generations of young girls and boys throughout her career at Jersey Academy of Dancing, many of whom took to social media this weekend to thank her for her support, inspiration, and lasting advice.

The JAD announced with "great sadness" on Friday that the "much loved" Miss Perkins had "passed away peacefully" that morning at 84-years-old.

Miss Laura Reynolds, the current principal of JAD who taught alongside Miss Perkins for 25 years, said that the beloved teacher had been at the school for "well over" 60 years.

She was even still teaching over Zoom during the lockdown.

After training with the JAD as a young girl, Miss Perkins went to the Royal Ballet School and received offers upon graduation from ballet companies – but at 18, she ultimately made the decision to return to Jersey.

"She was so homesick and couldn't think of anything other than coming back to her roots," Miss Reynolds added.

She continued: "It's hard to sum her up, but she was always known as a very strict and disciplined teacher that got the very best out of all of her students. She always encouraged them and pushed them that bit further, especially if it was their dream."

"She touched so many lives in the Island."

The Jersey Green Room Theatre Company, where she had been an honorary patron since 2021, also paid tribute on social media.

The post read: "A life-long member of the club, 'Miss P' has been at the centre of the Jersey Green Room Theatre Co.'s success for many years, building its future for the benefit of both our members and audiences.

"A strong, courageous and beautiful lady, Annette was respected and loved by all who knew her, and she will be forever missed. The Members and Committee of JGRTC send their thoughts and loving wishes to all of Annette's family and friends."

Miss Perkins made her debut for the club as a young girl in the 1940s, and in 1965 choreographed her first pantomime: 'Aladdin'.

In total, she choreographed a record number of 40 Jersey Green Room productions. She also sat on the Management Committee as Vice President for many years.

The JGRTC's post continued: "Her career as a dance teacher touched the lives of generations of local performers, many of whom, inspired by Annette's unending passion, followed careers in theatre, dance and the Arts."

Pictured: Miss Annette Perkins (supplied by Jersey Academy of Dance).

Previous students paid respects, with one commenting: "As our lovely 'Miss P' takes her final Grand Reverence, we can all 'grow taller', 'press our shoulders down' and 'tuck in our tails' with pride and with thanks for making all her girls the women we are today."

Another wrote: "'Thank you' will never be enough to show my love and gratitude for what you taught me. So much more than what was achieved on the dance floor. Inspiration, rock, mentor, friend... And forever 'Miss P'."