Thank you Maria for your inspiration. You really helped me to believe in myself as a dancer and as a human being.

Maria Fay, one of the greatest ballet teachers of our time has left this world. Maria Fay, was born and trained in Budapest, Hungary. She trained under the communist regime, and so was fully based upon the Russian School of Ballet, in the Vaganova System. She never advertised herself as a Vaganova teacher, because she adapted the method to incorporate her own unique way of working. She taught at the Royal Ballet School and choreographed at Covent Garden for the Royal Opera House. She also taught in many other countries including Beijing, Copenhagen, Oslo, Winnipeg, Verona, Berlin, Montreal, Amsterdam, Vienna, Rotterdam, Milan, Munich—and the list goes on. She wrote articles for Dancing Times for six years. She also wrote several books and made three video tapes. As if it was yesterday, I remember when I was accepted into Maria's professional ballet classes. I was only 13 years old. It was one of the most magical times of my life. Maria was an artist in every way, and she expressed this in her teaching, passing on this artistry to her students. Her musicality was second to none and she expressed this musicality in her teaching in the most unique way I have ever seen a ballet teacher use it. When Maria demonstrated the choreography she wanted us to dance, all eyes were on her, watching the grace, flow, fiery energy, impeccable musicality and the love she radiated to us as she danced. Through her beauty, Maria inspired passion and a love of dance in us beyond our expectations and wildest dreams. Maria was loved by dancers all over the world, many of whom were leading dancers of the time. They understood her teachings and came for private tuition from Maria. Amongst the many who remained close to Maria was the ethereal dancer, Eva Evdokimova whom Maria loved as her own child. Maria influence dancers who only trained with her briefly. David Adams, a Canadian ballet dancer and a founding member of the National Ballet of Canada who trained a short time with Maria says in an article about his first meeting with her:- “I can in all honesty say that in all of my many years of being in the Ballet world, one name stands out as an influence above all others — Maria Fay” Maria trained many students to become established teachers of dance; such as Ivania Elena, and Christina Beskou. Both of whom set up their own successful schools of dance. Maria was loved by many, including choreographers and teachers, all of whom Maria treated with great respect and love. We recognised her greatness and were drawn to her like butterflies to a beautiful flower. Maria Fay will be missed by all who trained with her and knew her personally. I, for one, will never forget my experience with Maria Fay. RIP darling, I love you always, Nina.

Thank you Maria for your friendship,your humour, your joyous ballet classes and the gift of your character work. Tania