Remembering Tracey Harris

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