A LEGENDARY dance teacher from Flintshire has been handed a life-time achievement awarded.

Shirley Snowden BEM, principal of the Hawarden-based Shirley School of Dancing, has been awarded a Life Membership Award from the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD).

Known as Miss Shirley, she attended the NATD Theatrical Scholarship finals in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, on Sunday, October 6 where she was presented the award by the NATD's president, Michelle Webster, and CEO Kevin Page.

(Image: UGC) Shirley opened up the dance school in 1953, aged just 16, and last year celebrated the platinum anniversary. Shirley still runs the school - which has a 100 per cent pass rate in examinations taken by its students.

In June, Shirley was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List for her services to dance and to the arts.

Some of her pupils have paid tribute to her.

Chelsea Hunter said: "I have danced for the Shirley School of Dancing for 29 years - since I was 2 years old. Being a part of the Shirley School of Dancing has honestly been incredible, I have even met some of my life long best of friends there.

"I am actually lucky enough to call Shirley Snowden my Auntie. Since a little girl to now she has always believed in not only me, but in every student that walks through the door. She has dedicated her whole entire life to her dance school and honestly it shows. 

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"We are a family there, everyone supports each other. In 2015 I qualified to be a ballet teacher. From the little demi plies all the way to a teacher she supported me every step of the way and I will be forever grateful. 

"Behind every dancer, there is a teacher who believed in them first - never a truer statement! She really is an inspiration."

Megan Rendle added: "Miss Shirley has inspired hundreds, if not thousands of students over the years at the dance school. She embodies the values of dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to the art of dance.

"Her tireless efforts and leadership have not only guided the school, but also inspired countless dancers to go on to achieve their dance teacher qualifications. 

"Her passion for dance shines bright and even 70 years on with the dancing school, she has the same love for dance. We are incredibly proud to have not only been taught by Miss Shirley, but to have danced for and with her."