Exhibition Celebrating Life and Legacy of Pioneering Orcadian Dance Teacher Florrie Sinclair Opens at Orkney Museum

A free exhibition honouring the remarkable life of the late Florrie Sinclair, a pioneering dance instructor whose influence spanned from Orkney to Singapore, will open at the Orkney Museum, Kirkwall, on Thursday 6 November 2025.

The three-day exhibition, hosted by Stephanie Hellewell Baird from the Move Orkney Dance Studio, will feature archival materials from Florrie Sinclair's distinguished career alongside live dance performances by local dancers.

Florrie Sinclair (née Tait; 1931–2018) was a trailblazing Scottish dance instructor whose impact extended far beyond her native Orkney Islands. Born in Quoyburray, Tankerness, she first learnt Highland dancing from her mother before training in ballet, Highland and ballroom dance. Her career took a transformative turn in 1955 when she accepted an invitation to teach in Singapore, where she became a foundational figure in the local dance scene.

During her time in Singapore, Sinclair taught at the Frances Poh School of Dancing, which later evolved into the Singapore Ballet Academy. She went on to establish the Sinclair School of Dancing and served for decades as an examiner with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). In recognition of her contributions to dance education, the RAD established an award in her name to support aspiring Scottish dancers.

The exhibition's highlight will take place on Saturday 8 November, featuring:

Dance Performances – 2–3pm
Local dancers will perform various pieces celebrating Florrie's teaching legacy.

Informal Talk – 3.30–4.15pm
Join Ola Tait, Joey Tait, and Stephanie Hellewell Baird for a conversation about Florrie's life and impact. Joey Tait and Ola Tait are Florrie Sinclair's sisters-in-law. Joey Tait was one of Florrie's Orkney dance students and holds fond memories of her dancing days with Florrie.

The exhibition runs from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 November 2025. The museum is open 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30–5pm.