Strictly Holles Memories

Every Friday after 3.30pm, the boys would come over to LEH with their teacher, Mr James, for a spot of ballroom dancing. The girls had to be in the Sixth Form to take part, and the lessons covered all the classics, from the waltz, quickstep and foxtrot to a little rumba and cha-cha. After each dance, everyone had to change partners. 

The classes also provided an opportunity to get to know the boys a little better, and one year Janet was invited to the Hampton Grammar School Christmas dance by a boy she knew from the lessons. 

She still remembers him arriving at her house with his dancing shoes tucked into a brown paper bag. Her father remarked on it, but Janet thought nothing of it, as he had always carried his shoes to their weekly lessons in exactly the same way! 

Sadly, the romance was not to be, but Janet remembers that they both had a good time and enjoyed dancing together. 

Now 89 and living in the Midwestern United States, Janet still enjoys keeping up with news from LEH, even if the journey back to England makes attending reunions a little more difficult. 

Thank you to Janet for sharing this delightful glimpse into school life in the 1950s. We love hearing the little stories that bring our school’s history to life especially any memories of life with Hamptonians! If you have a memory you'd like to share please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk.