Eileen Keegan (died 22 October 2000, South Africa) was a South African ballet dancer and teacher. She initially trained in South Africa under Madge Mann and Nancy Hooper, before moving to London in 1932 to continue her training. She toured Europe with

Molly Lake Molly, Mollie or mollies may refer to: Animals * ''Poecilia'', a genus of fishes ** ''Poecilia sphenops'', a fish species * A female mule (horse–donkey hybrid) People * Molly (name) or Mollie, a female given name, including a list of persons ...

's company and went on a global tour with Dandre's Ballet Company. She qualified as a Cecchetti examiner after being examined by

Cyril Beaumont Cyril W. Beaumont OBE (1 November 1891 – 24 May 1976) was a British dance historian, critic, technical theorist, translator, bookseller, and publisher. Author of more than forty books on ballet, he is considered one of the most important danc ...

. In 1936 she returned to South Africa to teach. She ran her own studio, with Dorothea McNair, opposite the old Theatre Royal in

Durban Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...

before moving to Kloof. She taught in her private studio for over 50 years. She gave recitals in the Durban City Hall and in 1939 presented the first locally produced season of ballet in the city. In 1940 she formed Durban's highly successful ''Ballet Club'', which was based on the concept of the club begun by

Dulcie Howes Dulcie Howes (31 December 1908 – 19 March 1993) was a South African ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer, and company director. During her performing career, she was considered the prima ballerina assoluta of South African ballet. In 1934, ...

Cape Town Cape Town ( af, Kaapstad; , xh, iKapa) is one of South Africa's three capital cities, serving as the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. It is the legislative capital of the country, the oldest city in the country, and the second largest ...

. Her notable pupils include: Nadia Nerina,

Michael Maule Michael Maule (31 October 1921 – 15 March 2017) was an American ballet dancer and instructor. Early life and training Born in Durban, South Africa, Michael Maule was a descendant of Scottish immigrants who had settled in the province of Natal, ...

, Joy Shearer, Colleen Scott, and Judy Gale-Brown. She died at her home on 22 October 2000.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Keegan, Eileen South African ballerinas South African ballet dancers Ballet teachers Year of birth missing 2000 deaths