Barbara Benson-Smith.  M.B.E  1930-2024.

Founder and Past Principal of the Benson Stage Academy 1953 to 2009

Hon. Fellow & Examiner U.K.A Dance.  Hon. life M.B.B.O. M.O.D.T.S.

Over the past sixty years there have been hundreds of children receiving dance tuition, some have become very successful dancers, some teachers, some have just learned dance for sheer enjoyment.

I have over the years tried to pass on all the technical knowledge, expertise  and love of dance I acquired from my brilliant teacher the late Miss Lillian Hainsworth, herself a former pupil of the great Espinosa of Milan. 

The Academy has played a big part in nurturing the artistic qualities required for Television, Films, and today’s Musical Theatre. Samuel Barnett, Joanne Froggatt  and Liam Hart are all former pupils that have found success in these areas.

Many others now run their own Dance Schools; some are scattered throughout the world as Professional Dancers and have appeared in West End shows. Pupils of the Academy have appeared with Festival Ballet, Northern Theatre Ballet, plus other professional companies.

I truly feel now is the time to move the Benson Stage Academy, Whitby branch forward once more and allow Miss Julia to continue the work I began half a century ago. Julia is a highly qualified Teacher and Examiner in all dance disciplines, and as myself, totally dedicated to her profession working within the Academy for the last forty years. Being a former pupil of mine since the age of four years, I know she will set the very highest standards possible.

Former awards achieved by Miss Benson include, runner up for the prestigious Karl Allan Award, UKA Dance Teachers lifetime achievement award, and in January 2012 she was included in the New Year Honours List being awarded the M.B.E for lifelong service to Dance and her fund raising activities for the many charities she has supported all her life.

In 2013 Miss Benson Celebrated her 60th Anniversary as a Teacher of Dance and Founding of the Academy in 1953.

Postscript:

I sincerely hope that pupils will have a long love and appreciation for Dance and the arts involved.

‘Reminisce, and think of the Academy affectionately.’

Miss Barbara Benson – Smith. M.B.E.