The family and friends of a much-loved dance teacher and dressmaker from Glossop have paid a touching tribute to her.

Jean Graves’ daughter Paula described her as ‘a positive, inspiring, generous woman full of fun and laughter’.

Jean was a member of the famous Connie Millington formation team, as well as being an open competitor in her native city of Liverpool before moving to Glossop in 1966.

It was after she relocated, in 1967, that she founded her own dance school ‘Stardust’ which has been a popular place to learn and develop the skills of Ballroom and Latin American dancing ever since.

‘Stardust Dance Centre’, initially known as the ‘Stardust Ballroom’, opened its doors at a time when disco was exploding on to the scene in the 70s. It was the life and soul of Glossop. Following this, the first formation team was put together in 1978.

Jean produced numerous adult and junior champion formation teams during her lifetime - many of which appeared on TV programmes such as Barrymore, Gary Wilmot, Blue Peter, Making Out, as well as Christmas specials and pop videos.

Her junior and juvenile formation teams also enjoyed great success, winning the British Formation Championships at the world famous Blackpool Tower.

It was a consequence of this, and her dedication to formation dancing, that she met the Queen and received her MBE for services to ballroom dancing in 2001. Jean always made all of the costumes for the dancers, as well as many wedding dresses for team members as they grew older.

Many children and grandchildren of past team members now dance at Stardust, which is both a testament to the dance company and Jean’s own success.

Jean also spent much of her retirement sailing on cruise liners, teaching people to dance.

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