Tributes paid to talented Rugby dance teacher - The Rugby Observer

Tributes paid to talented Rugby dance teacher

Rugby Editorial 7th May, 2015 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

TRIBUTES have flooded in for a popular and talented Rugby dance teacher.

Vicki-Jo Gurney, who taught at Christine Anderson Theatre School (CATS) for many years, died while on a short trip abroad, on March 31.

She choreographed her first award-winning dance, Just William, at the age of just 12 and from there the achievements flowed.

Under her direction hundreds of children at the school had the opportunity to travel and perform on stages around the world.




Thousands of people have viewed a tribute webpage set up for Vicki-Jo, who also choreographed many of Rugby Theatre’s sell-out musicals, including their upcoming show Hairspray.

Ruth Kent said: “I always respected and admired Vicki, not just for her creativity, talent and complete commitment to art and choreography but also her sweet and genuine nature.”


And Roy Healey said: “Chances are, if a child is being taught dance somewhere in Rugby or Warwickshire, the teacher teaching them probably went to C.A.T.S and was inspired by Vicki-Jo.”

A tribute from her close friends said: “We feel honoured to have had personal friendships with Vicki-Jo, to have experienced what a gentle, caring and generous person she was.

“Vicki-Jo would never ‘fit-the-mould’ or do the expected, she was too special for that. Her creative talent was her outlet, but her humorous side is what we all remember most fondly.

“She had a care-free, impulsive side that transported us all away from the dreariness of day to day life, to a world where everything would sparkle.”

Vicki-Jo’s memorial service will be held at the Benn Hall at midday on Monday (April 27).

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