Betty Goodings

Betty Goodings (nee Shepard) (circa 1925 - 2 May 1993) [1] was the sister of Joan Gravelle and from the UK. She was born Betty Shepard to Norman and Constance Shepard.

Dance Career

In Thunder Bay, Betty ran "Betty Goodings Ballet School." [2] Betty taught Deborah Delvecchio and Laura Pascolo-McRury.

In 1967 with Lakehead Amateur Music Productions, she brought Brigadoon to the stage with a cast of 125 people, thanks to four women: Jean Crittal of Lakehead Music Fesival, Dusty Miller of Cambrian Players, Betty Goodings of Lakehead Ballet Guild, and Barbara Kirkup of the Lakehead Choral Group. They later produced My Fair Lady and Guys and Dolls. [https://issuu.com/thewalleyemagazine/docs/walleye_october_2013/7

On 20 May 1971 her niece and student Elizabeth Gravelle won a scholarship for dance. "Elizabeth Gravelle ; granted special arts bursary from Canada Council ; for ballet training in Europe ; former student of Mrs. Betty Goodings ; has been studying at National Ballet School, Toronto for past seven years ; member of Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing ; will be dancing in Swan Lake with the National Ballet Company ; photo" [4]

Betty moved to British Columbia in about 1975 [1]. Betty died 2 May 1993. [3]

Sources

[1] Laura Pascolo-McRury, private telephone conversation, 13 March 2020.

[2] [3]

[3] GOODINGS, BETTY M. 05/02/1993 Chronicle-Journal 11/01/93 P. 21

[4] Fort William Times-Journal. 20 May 1971. [4]

[4] The Port Arthur News-Chronicle. Goodings, Betty PIC n/a 7 Mar 1966 p.5 N.W.O. Music Festival Index of social notices, news and photos as published in 1962 - 1972

[5] The Port Arthur News-Chronicle. Goodings, Betty (Mrs.) BIO n/a 23 May 1963 p.8 pic Ballet recital Index of social notices, news and photos as published in 1962 - 1972

[6] The Port Arthur News-Chronicle. Goodings, Betty (Mrs.) BIO n/a 25 May 1963 p.8 Review of recital Index of social notices, news and photos as published in 1962 - 1972