Tribute to dance tutor Patricia

Pat Dyson . . . an inspiration

A WELL-KNOWN former dance teacher who taught thousands of Oldham youngsters during 55 years of performing has died.

Patricia Dyson, from Denbigh Drive, Shaw, was a dancer, choreographer and show director in Oldham, as well as an experienced dance examiner.

The grandmother-of-two and former pupil at Hulme Grammar School for Girls died in hospital on September 6. She was 77.

Born and raised in Failsworth, Mrs Dyson began dancing as an eight-year-old in Rhodes Bank, Oldham.

After leaving school she was taught dance by Marianne Jepson for seven years, rising to principal assistant until the pair parted in 1960 when Mrs Dyson had her first child.

She learned her trade producing and directing amateur dancing shows at St Margaret’s, Hollinwood, before being appointed as choreographer and dancing mistress of Oldham Amateur Operatic Society in 1961 at the age of 27.

During her career she was an associate of the Royal Academy of Dancing and a fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

She set up the Patricia Dyson School of Dancing in Shaw in 1961 and ran it for 35 years before retiring in 1997, aged 63.

Mrs Dyson and her husband, Brain Mellor (80), celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in July.

Their daughter Alison Smyth (47), who followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a professional dancer, is now a Walt Disney show choreographer and director living in Barnes, south-west London.

She said: “It is impossible to think of how many people mum taught to dance and how many people she inspired during her career.”

Mrs Dyson is survived by her husband, children Alison and Philip, and grandchildren Edward and Matthew.

Service and committal was held today at Oldham Crematorium, Hollinwood, at noon. Family flowers only but donations if desired to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.