Decades of teaching a ‘privilege’

Posing after tutor Annette Ainge’s (second from left) final class on Thursday are (from left) Brodie McIntosh and Sophie and Hollie Crawford. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG

Tutor Annette Ainge taught her final class on Thursday and had a fantastic time, she said.

"I loved working with the children, seeing them improve and come along. Teaching ballet has been very fulfilling."

Mrs Ainge learned ballet under tutor Verona Favel in her teens before leaving Gore for a time. Upon returning, she reunited with Mrs Favel and took over the school in 2002, following the latter’s retirement. Mrs Ainge said the two were still very close.

"She has remained my mentor and a wonderful friend, we still have a very close association."

Although Mrs Ainge said the time was right for her to retire, she still loves ballet and teaching people the art.

"It’s that wonderful feeling of interpreting music. That’s what you know, I say, you’re expressing yourself with movement. It has been a privilege to be a part of so many children’s lives over the years and watching their progress, some of whom still keep in contact."

Brodie McIntosh and Sophie Crawford, 17, have both studied under Mrs Ainge since they were young.

Sophie said she loved learning ballet, and Mrs Ainge was a fantastic tutor.

"It’s been 12 years. I started when I was 5. It’s been inspirational. It’s provided me fitness and entertainment, and even though it’s an individual sport, you get to know a lot of people. She’s a very passionate person," she said.

Ms McIntosh returned to the school after a few years away from the area to train recreationally, and said it was a great experience being taught by Mrs Ainge.

"It’s just been so, so nice, so wonderful. She’s phenomenal, her dedication to ballet is so incredible and you can see she just absolutely loves it. "

gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz