Remembering Tracey Harris

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Today, 20th March 2025, Downland Dance remembers the life of Tracey Harris – a former teacher, adult student, organiser, and all around supporter of Downland Dance, whose passion for dance truly knew no end.

Tracey began learning ballet as an adult student after enrolling her children in local ballet classes. After a few years of beginners’ classes, Tracey discovered she had a talent for dancing, and she began taking classes more seriously – working her way through the RAD Vocational Graded Exams, and participating in performances and other events. Eventually, as her knowledge and confidence grew, Tracey took the plunge and enrolled herself on the RAD Teacher Training course. It was soon after Tracey was accepted onto the course that she was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer, though as a woman of determination, she wouldn’t let this stop her from achieving her goals. Tracey continued her Teacher Training whilst undertaking treatment for cancer, and her perseverance paid off as she graduated after two years – becoming an RAD registered teacher and receiving her teaching credentials by Dame Darcey Bussell at the RAD Headquarters in what she described as one of the proudest moments of her life. Tracey continued teaching for Downland Dance, and even produced her own shows. Her East Hagbourne classes grew in popularity, seeing Tracey become a much loved and well respected teacher by both her students and her adult peers. Tracey would sadly succumb to her illness on 20th March 2015, but she is still remembered fondly by friends and former students. One former student wrote this touching account of Tracey for International Women’s Day 2025:

Mrs Tracey Harris was a ballet teacher and one of the strongest women I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and underwent chemo for quite some time. Whilst going through this awful treatment, Tracey helped get me personally through 5 different ballet exams. At no point did she stop helping myself or my class from obtaining good grades, and even though some lessons were taught whilst sat from her chair only, we all passed each and every exam.

Tracey had a lot of strength. Not only did she believe in all her students, she did sponsored walks to raise money for cancer research and helped to fundraise whilst simultaneously organising and choreographing various ballet performances.

Tracey beat breast cancer, and we were all overjoyed, however it was to return, spread and eventually take her life.

Even throughout her second cancer journey, Tracey maintained her ability to teach for as long as she could, inspiring many of us to keep dancing, and to keep fundraising for charity. Tracey’s death was, unfortunately, not unexpected, but it was heartbreaking, as all she had shown was resilience, bravery and determination, traits that can only be commended and admired.

– Amy Mathews

As we reach the 10 year anniversary of her passing, Downland Dance are remembering Tracey’s passion, strength, and love of dance by raising money for Cancer Research UK in her honour. Over the course of this year, we will be hosting some free workshops that anyone can take part in, whether a current or previous student, guest from another school, and whether they knew Tracey or not, the classes will be open to all. If you’d like to donate to help us reach our goal of raising £500 for Cancer Research UK, or to see which workshops are available and book your place, please see the links below. Feel free to post a comment at the bottom of this page with your memories of Tracey.

See Workshops
Donate to Cancer Research UK

Amount Raised for Cancer Research UK

Target: £500

£97.06 (19.41%)

Summer 2023

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Free Virtual Ballet Master Classes with Iva Vitić Gameiro

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Iva Vitić Gameiro – Principal Dancer of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb – will hold FREE virtual master classes, open to all students of Downland Dance. One class for juniors and another for seniors, this is a great opportunity to learn from a ‘real life ballerina’!

ABOUT IVA
Iva Vitić Gameiro was born in Zagreb in November 1987. She studied ballet at the Zagreb High School for Classical Ballet, before graduating from the Tanz Akademie in Zurich in 2006. That same year, Iva joined the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb as a member of the ballet ensemble. In 2009, Iva left Zagreb to work with the Portuguese National Ballet, before returning to Zagreb in 2011 where she rose through the ranks to become a Principal Dancer. Iva has danced an array of well known leading roles in both classical ballet and contemporary dance, including Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (Patrice Bart), The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker (Derek Deane, Vladimir Malakhov), Giselle in Giselle (Iraida Lukasova after Marius Petipa), Wendy in Peter Pan (Giorgio Madia) and many others. She continues to dance at the Croatian National Theatre, and makes guest appearances for ballet companies and galas around the world.

Open Day Registration Now Open!

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Ballet Boot Camp 2019

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Christmas is just around the corner. What’s not to love about the spending time with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and who won’t partake in way too much food and drink?

We understand that too many roast potatoes, minced pies and mulled wine can leave you feeling like a stuffed turkey! Which is why Downland Dance have developed a Ballet Boot Camp to help you shed the Christmas excess and make a fit and healthy start to the New Year.

Our Ballet Boot Camp is available for new students and runs between 7th January and 9th March 2019. For one month (from your chosen start date) you can come to any 2 of our ballet open classes, per week for a flat fee of £59.00. And, we’ll throw in your own Downland Dance T-shirt. The Boot Camp is available for any age* or ability (adults especially welcome!), and can be tailored to your individual needs.

*minimum age requirement 10 years

What are the benefits?

Dance is known to have a positive, lasting effect on the body and mind:

– Develop coordination, fitness and flexibility
– Enhance your energy levels, concentration and self-confidence
– Improve posture will help reduce body aches and pains
– Build strength, stamina and agility
– Increase general physical and mental wellness.

What’s included?

Ballet Boot Camp students will have access to any 2 of our ballet open classes each week for a period of one month. During this time you will develop a basic understanding of the art of ballet, and our dedicated teachers will guide and encourage you towards your goals. We’re even including a Downland Dance branded T shirt to help keep you motivated and get you looking and feeling great!

All of this costs just £59.00

How to apply?

Please fill out the following contact form, and someone will be in touch to suggest which classes might be right for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@downland-dance.co.uk.  Make a positive change to your life – you won’t regret it.

Bootcamp Application:

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