Welcome to Annie Gargya – our new board member


We recently welcomed Annie Gargya as the newest member of the Green Candle Board. Below Annie tells us a little bit about herself and her life before Green Candle.

“I trained at The Royal Ballet Upper School before joining the company for a few years and before having my children.

“I then worked freelance for different organisations including the LSO, various museums, colleges and schools leading dance, drama and art workshops.   I also worked for The Royal Ballet Education Department going into schools and colleges with dancers from the company leading workshops culminating in performance pieces all over the country.

In my 40’s I thought it was about time I got a proper job and wanted to train as a teacher.  However, having left school at 16 to go to the ballet school and without a degree I discovered that was not possible.  Fortunately, an inspiring woman at the Institute of Education suggested that my experience of performing and teaching dance might be a good foundation for a Master’s Degree in Dance at The Laban Centre, accredited by City University.

Much to my surprise I was accepted for a 2-year part time Masters Course which I found challenging and very rewarding.  My dissertation ‘Colliding Words’ drew on my experience as a dancer and of working in schools and colleges in dance in education.  Again, to my amazement I was awarded a distinction.

I then took on a PGCE at The Institute of Education and worked for 20 years as a primary school teacher in Tower Hamlets, eventually becoming Deputy Head at a primary school in Poplar and finally retiring in 2014.

I discovered Green Candle in 2016 and have loved being part of a diverse group of older dancers where the underlying ethos is ‘everyone can dance’.

I have been a trustee of Stitches in Time, another Tower Hamlets charity, for the last 12 years and since my retirement have taken on the role of Secretary.

I have 2 grown up children and 1 adorable grandson.”

We are delighted Annie has joined us and we know she will be an invaluable addition to the Green Candle board

Find out more about our other board members