Terry's Juveniles were a troupe of young dancers who performed regularly on British theatre stages, and in films, from about 1919 until the late 1960s, with regular changes of personnel. The group was founded and trained by Theresa Freedman (22 January 1884 – 4 February 1973), known as "Miss Terry". Freedman was born in

Swansea Swansea (; cy, Abertawe ) is a coastal city and the second-largest city of Wales. It forms a principal area, officially known as the City and County of Swansea ( cy, links=no, Dinas a Sir Abertawe). The city is the twenty-fifth largest in ...

, the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants, but moved to London with her parents as a child. She became a dance teacher and established Terry's Juveniles in about 1919, at a time when choruses of children were a central part of

pantomime Pantomime (; informally panto) is a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment. It was developed in England and is performed throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and (to a lesser extent) in other English-speaking ...

s and other theatrical shows. At one time Terry Freedman ran several stage schools, and an office in

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.Richard Anthony Baker, "Terry's Juveniles", ''Music Hall Studies'', No.12, 2013, pp.512-515 The girls involved were aged about 12, about tall, and were selected through Miss Terry's visits to schools as well as through advertisements and recommendations. Once they grew too tall or appeared older, they had to leave. They performed together as singers and dancers in summer

variety show Variety show, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, is entertainment made up of a variety of acts including musical theatre, musical performances, sketch comedy, magic (illusion), magic, acrobatics, juggling, and ventriloquism. It is ...

s as well as in pantomimes, especially those run by

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and other provincial centres. When performing, they were given lessons in the morning, prior to afternoon and evening performances. "Dancing Juniors", ''The Argus, Melbourne'', 4 December 1946, p.16
/ref> Terry's Juveniles regularly appeared on stage with stars of the time, such as

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and

Arthur Askey Arthur Bowden Askey, (6 June 1900 – 16 November 1982) was an English comedian and actor. Askey was known for his short stature (5' 2", 1.58 m) and distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, and his playful humour incorporating improvisation ...

, and featured in the film '' She Shall Have Music '' (1935), and in the 1950

Royal Variety Performance The ''Royal Variety Performance'' is a televised variety show held annually in the United Kingdom to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity (of which King Charles III is life-patron). It is attended by senior members of the British royal f ...

. Those who started their entertainment careers as members of Terry's Juveniles included

Dorothy Squires Dorothy Squires (born Edna May Squires, 25 March 1915 – 14 April 1998) was a Welsh singer. Her early successes were achieved with " The Gypsy", "A Tree in the Meadow" and "I'm Walking Behind You" by her partner Billy Reid, and " Say It wit ...

, Sheila White, and

Melvyn Hayes Melvyn Hayes (''né'' Hyams; 11 January 1935) is an English actor and voice over performer. He is best known for playing the effeminate Gunner (later Bombardier) "Gloria" Beaumont in the 1970s BBC sitcom ''It Ain't Half Hot Mum'', for appear ...

. In later years, the troupe included boys as well as girls. Hayes later said: "Miss Terry was a ferocious Jewish lady... t his auditionshe said: 'Can you sing?' No. 'Can you dance?' No. 'Are you Jewish?' Yes. 'You got the part.' " Changing tastes contributed to the troupe disbanding in about 1968. Theresa Freedman died in hospital in

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in 1973 at the age of 89.Obituary, ''The Stage'', 15 February 1973, p.19

References

{{Reflist Children's dance groups Children's theatre