Pamela Reader - The Goddess of the Keyboard

Pam Reader first became a pianist for the Legat School of Dance in 1989, the year it transferred from Mark Cross to Wadhurst College. She acquired the specialist skills of dance pianist under the guidance of Mr. Frank Eling, who had played for many years for Madame Nicolaeva Legat, founder of the Legat School. Pam Reader is the sole pianist to have continued with Legat through the relocation to St Bede's in 2000, supporting Wendy Vincent-Smith and the Dance Faculty through the changes with invaluable loyalty and continuity. Pam continued to work with the Dance Faculty for many years, giving each director the benefit of her remarkable skill. Not only is Pam a highly skilled professional accompanist, but she has played for Legat performances over a span of 20 years, delighting dancers and audiences alike. In more recent years she collaborated with fellow pianist, Alan Masters, to play virtuoso piano duos as a musical interlude within the dance performances; always a great hit.

Pam was pronounced "Goddess of the Keyboard", by the then Director of Music at Wadhurst College - and so she is! Moreover, Pam has been dedicated to encouraging and supporting many generations of young dance students, and has been a true friend and inspiration to all staff and students. Pam finally retires at the remarkable age of 88. She will be greatly missed.

Wendy Vincent-Smith