Former pupils of a well-loved Rochdale dance teacher relaunch school in her memory


Former pupils of a much-loved dance teacher who was tragically killed on her way home from a lesson have re-launched her school.

Beryl Brinkman, 80, died in a car crash in January 2014, minutes after leaving the class she taught at St Mary’s Parish Centre, in Littleborough, for more than 30 years.

Now a group of former pupils and parents have re-started the Broadway School of Dancing, and many of Beryl’s former pupils have returned.

Beryl, a great-aunt, was well-known in Littleborough and led both youngsters’ dance classes and over 50s’ fitness sessions for several decades.

She also taught at Champness Hall and Oulder Hill School and made costumes for an amateur dramatics group.

The idea to re-launch the school came from Bev Snape and Tracy Guinan, two mums whose children were left devastated by Beryl’s death. They approached Catherine Senior, Amy Shackleton and Kim Foley, experienced dancers who all studied under Beryl for many years, and asked them to consider following in her footsteps.

With support from Bev and Tracy, the trio got the school up-and-running once more, with Catherine and Amy teaching younger pupils and Kim taking an older class.

“The crash devastated all Beryl’s pupils, particularly myself and Amy, who had attended dance classes with Beryl since we were three,” said Catherine, now 30.

“She was like a substitute grandmother to us, as she was to a lot of pupils.

“Many of Beryl’s ex-pupils have now returned and new ones have also started, ranging from age two to 18.”

To celebrate the re-launch, the school is hosting its first show on Sunday, June 28, from 12.15pm and everyone is welcome.

During the event, the room at St Mary’s where the classes are held will be re-named the Beryl Brinkman Room, with a plaque erected in her honour.

Proceeds from the day will be split between the church and Arthritis Research.

Catherine added: “Beryl absolutely loved putting on a show and we hope she will be looking down on us, proudly, on that day.”

Classes for children and young people are held on Wednesdays, from 5pm to 7pm and newcomers are welcome.

Community Press Release