Henrietta Rosemary Gold

Henrietta Rosemary Gold, or ‘Hetty’, as most of us came to know her, was a remarkable force for good whose warmth, generosity and passion for dance brought joy to so many lives. She will be remembered with enormous affection by all who knew her, particularly within the Fireflies Ballet for the Cancer Community and Silver Swans dancers.

A passionate advocate for the transformative power of dance and movement, and its ability to support everyone’s’ wellbeing, Hetty dedicated herself to helping others experience the confidence and connection that dance can bring. Through the Fireflies Ballet for the Cancer Community classes, she supported countless dancers both in the studio and through her fundraising efforts that helped keep the classes free of charge, for those who needed them most.

Hetty was also a dear friend to many within the Silver Swans community, where her kindness, encouragement and joyful spirit made a lasting impact. Her enthusiasm for dance was infectious, and she inspired others simply by sharing her love of movement and community.

Hetty appeared on TV, on This Morning, as a Silver Swan, and more recently, on World Cancer Day, she was part of the RAD’s marking of this date, which helped to raise awareness of the Fireflies Ballet for the Cancer Community classes and the positive difference they make to the lives of those affected by cancer.

Hetty will be hugely missed by RAD staff and by the many dancers and friends who had the privilege of dancing alongside her. Her legacy will live on in the community she helped nurture and in the many lives she touched through her compassion, determination and unwavering belief in the power of dance.

Our thoughts are with her beloved family, daughter Jacquetta and husband Norman.