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Jeanie Paton QSM
Patron and member of the Technical
Advisory Council
Mrs Jeanie Paton was born in Scotland and as a child accompanied
her parents to New Zealand. Her father imparted his love of
Scotland, its history and culture to her. His tales of the Borders,
the Covenanters, Bruce and Wallace, Glencoe, Culloden and of course
the Clearances ensured she never forgot her roots.
Mrs Paton was fortunate to have learned her dancing from Miss
Davidina Bruce (Mrs Sinclair Chisholm) who herself taught in
Scotland, her teacher being from the Cuthbertson School. Miss Bruce
had a beautiful voice and sang for all her lessons which gave her
pupils a special appreciation of music to movement. Mrs Paton has
always remained faithful to the style and steps given her by her
Scottish teacher.
Mrs Paton has been committed to the Academy since its inception
and has served on Executive Council, Technical Committee, and
Advisory Council and was Secretary-Treasurer for thirty-seven years.
Mrs Paton has been honoured by our Queen for services to dancing and
the Community but undoubtedly, her greatest joy was in her
appointment as Patron of the Academy.
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