Bluff ballet teacher makes final curtsy after five decades
During her career as a ballet teacher, Elizabeth Mary Blake also taught ballet overseas.
IT was a bittersweet moment for Elizabeth Mary Blake, fondly known as ‘Aunty Betty’, as she headed into retirement after teaching aspiring ballet dancers for more than five decades.
Blake (71), who lives on The Bluff, founded the Betty Blake Academy of Dance in 1972. She officially retired on November 1.
“ I had just relocated to Durban from Johannesburg and needed to get back into the dance world. I met my ballet pianist who had retired to Durban, and she told me that if I started teaching, she should play for me. The rest, as they say, is history,” she said.
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Blake said she has had the opportunity to teach thousands of ballet dancers over the years, many of whom have gone on to achieve great careers.
“Many of my students have made careers out of ballet, and some have danced professionally and gone into theatre or have become wonderful teachers in South Africa, as well as abroad.
“Others have been successful in their field of study due to the commitment, teamwork, discipline, respect, and multi-tasking that ballet teaches. But most of all, they have become well-rounded, poised and confident people, who all have a love for the arts,” she said.
“I have also taught at many of the nursery schools on The Bluff, and I have given the opportunity to many underprivileged students to be able to learn ballet. Blake said one of her personal achievements was being a judge for the American Academy of Ballet.
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“Because of this, I had the opportunity to go on and be a judge in many cities around the world. I have also attended and taught at summer schools abroad, where I gained a huge amount of knowledge, which I love to share with others. I have also been able to assist my underprivileged students in fulfilling their passion for ballet,” she said.
Blake added that while there were challenges over the past few years, such as the Covid-19 Pandemic and the floods, which damaged her studio, she was grateful for the support of The Bluff community.
“They have always stood by me and helped me wherever they can.”
Blake said that now that she is retired, she intends on spending quality time with her family in New Zealand. “My daughter runs a beautiful ballet academy there – who knows, I may just help her now and then.”
Blake said the message to aspiring dancers is to, ‘love, live, dance’.
“I always say, enjoy every moment of those tireless, hardworking practices and all the highlights. There are many personal rewards, so keep working hard. You are never too old to learn,” she said.
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