JOHN RAVEN

 


JOHN RAVEN

Born 22-4-1935   Died 14-11-2021.

John did his National Service in the RAF, during that time, for a dare, John & some mates went to a dance class, he enjoyed it so much he decided to be a dancer.

He joined The Legat School of Russian Ballet & was trained by Nadine Nicolaeva Legat & Lydia Kyasht,  but John’s most important teacher was Valentine Prowitsch, who taught him Double Work & Character.

I remember two amazing pieces choreographed by Mr. Prowitsch, Black number was a very clever pas de trois, one girl, John & Mr Prowitsch all in black & unseen, making all the lifts even more amazing.  The other ballet was Prince Igor with John & Anna Truscott dancing the most beautiful pas de deux.

John’s career gave him parts in many TV shows including DR WHO, The Welsh National Opera etc.

For more than 20 years John was the Double Work Teacher in all the big Dance schools, each day of the week he was at a different school lifting every girl himself as there were very few boys.

Years later John & I  taught  at  Catherine  Weguelin’s Summer School, but eventually all the lifting caught up with his health.

He was a great character & a very good friend.

Moya Vahey

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