71-year-old breaks record of Britain’s oldest dancer
71-year-old semi-retired engineer breaks record of Britain’s oldest dancer
A former electrical engineer and mathematician, Doreen Pechey has become the oldest person to ever pass the Royal Academy of Dance’s ballet grade six exam.
Mrs Pechey studied for two years before taking the exam, practising daily at home and at thrice-weekly classes. She then had to prove she could perform a number of complicated moves to the exam’s testers.
Why did she take up dancing?
As a girl, she had wanted to study ballet, but her parents couldn’t afford the costs. It was only at the age of 61, she finally decided to try a class after being encouraged by her niece.
Since then, she has also performed on stage and says her balance and posture is as good as ever, even though she had a knee replaced two years ago.
She is now an affiliate member of the Academy, but she’s not stopping there. She is hoping to take the Grade 7 exam in the next two years.
Proof you’re never too old to chase a dream?
Watch an interview with Doreen here.