We were deeply saddened to announce the passing of Eve Pettinger MBE aged 92, on 15th July 2021. Eve was a professional dancer with London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) and danced for Dame Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin.

She was one of the first pupils at the Arts Educational School, Tring, in 1945 and taught at the school for over 50 years. Eve trained generations of ballet dancers and for decades prepared our pupils to perform in English National Ballet’s annual Nutcracker production. Eve served the school tirelessly with such resolute dedication, passion and commitment. Regardless of how busy she was, after Eve left she took a keen interest in hearing updates of all aspects of Tring Park life and always looked forward to her annual visit here. She thrived on watching the young classical dancers in classes.

The Tring Park family, past and present, were delighted when Eve was awarded an MBE for her services to dance in the New Year’s Honours List of 2007.

In April 2016 the school arranged a gala, A Celebration for a Life in Dance, in honour of Eve which was held at the Britten Theatre of the Royal College of Music. Alumni who performed included Max Westwell (then Soloist of English National Ballet), Greg Dean (then Principal Dancer of Royal Danish Ballet), Ruth Brill (then First Artist of Birmingham Royal Ballet), Carrie Johnson (former member of Birmingham Royal Ballet), Drew McOnie (choreographer) alongside our own pupils, members of National Youth Ballet and scholars from the Cecchetti Society for whom Eve both taught and was an examiner.

She was the most remarkable woman. Eve touched the lives of so many people, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her.