AN inspirational dance teacher, who, as she battled the ravages of dementia, was eventually cared for by the very pupils she taught, has died.

Fay Vaughan Williams passed away at Danesbrook House Care Home in Cardiff on April 1. She was 89.

Despite touching so many peoples lives with her teaching, Ms Williams left little family, and, as dementia set in, was looked after by former pupils who regularly visited her in her care home.

Those pupils have now paid tribute to their inspirational dance teacher.

Wendy Summerell joined Ms Williams’ school in Barry at the age of eight and has run a successful ballet school in the town - The Wendy Summerell School of Dance.

Ms Summerell said Ms Williams was multi-skilled.

“Most people only associate Fay with teaching ballet but in her early days, she was also a phenomenal tap dancing teacher as well,” said Ms Summerell.

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Star pupil Sara Cocker danced with the Koblenz Theatre in Germany in 1980's and now runs the Koblenz School of Dancing

For more than 74 years Ms Williams ran two successful Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet schools, one at the Memorial Hall (now The Memo) in Barry and then moving to other locations in Barry and Wenvoe, and various locations across Cardiff.

During that time, Ms Williams helped train a number of pupils from Cardiff and the Vale who went on to obtain places at the UK’s top vocational dance and ballet schools.

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Fay Vaughan Williams School of Dancing pupils in 1970's

At the time of her death, Ms Williams held the ARAD award also achieving her Solo Seal and the RAD RTS (Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher Status) post nominal.

She also acquired the Life Registered Teacher membership and was a member of the RAD for 74 years.

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Pupil Elizabeth Chronik (sixth from left) in graduate performance from the Royal Academy of Dance 1970's

Anita Hodgkinson, from Barry, won a place at the former Bush Davies School in London through Ms Williams’ guidance and then danced professionally before running her own musical theatre school in the town.

She said she admired Ms Williams.

“I have so much respect and love for this lady and what a beautiful lady she was,” said Ms Hodgkinson. “She was my inspiration to take up ballet and lots of other types and styles of dance, drama and singing.”

Sara Cocker, another of Ms Williams’ pupils, who now runs the Koblenz School of Dancing in Germany, began ballet lessons at the age of five in Cardiff and Barry with Ms Williams and went on to complete her training at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School and subsequently received a scholarship to the renowned London Rambert School of Ballet.

Ms Cocker said Ms Williams was an exceptional teacher.

“The basics that she taught me in ballet were second to none and I hope that in some small way I can continue to pass on her legacy to many more,” said Ms Cocker.

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Fay Vaughan Williams with Elizabeth Chronik (right) originally from Barry but now runs a RAD Ballet School in Alberta, Canada

Elizabeth Chronik, from Barry, started lessons with Ms Williams at the age of 10 and was inspired by her to undertake the RAD Teaching Diploma at the age of 16 – being accepted as a graduate in 1977.

Ms Chronik laid her success down to Ms Williams.

“Examiners always comment about the extremely high level of technique, musicality and performance that my students display and I always say that is partly due to my college training but it was more to do with the training I received from Fay,” said Ms Chronik.

“As her former pupils we were the children that Fay never had and we loved her dearly. She will always have a place in her hearts.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Pidgeons Funeral Directors and will be announced in the coming weeks.  Visit: www.pidgeons-funerals.co.uk for further details or Tel: 029 2022 6604