Raquel has joined our team as a new swimming teacher, her story of changing career from Ballerina to Swimming Teacher has been published in the Henley Standard and Reading Chronicle. You can read the article below.
Local swim school welcomes former ballerina as new teacher
Local baby and child swim school Puddle Ducks North Hampshire and Reading, recently welcomed a former ballerina to their team as a new swimming teacher.
Raquel Webster (41) from Woodcote South Oxfordshire, has gone from pirouette to the pool, embarking on a new role as a Puddle Ducks swimming teacher, following a successful career in ballet.
Poised to teach baby and pre-school classes across Reading and Caversham, Raquel first started ballet at the age of four. She then went on to study at the Central School of Ballet in London, performing in the West End and touring the UK and overseas with the show ‘The Snowman’.
Later joining C12 Dance Theatre, Raquel formed a love of working with children, connecting with local schools, holding workshops and teaching ballet, spurring her on to start her own small dance school.
Commenting on her new role, Raquel said: “I took a pause from ballet to have my two children, and it was at this point I really recognised the magic of swimming in terms of bonding, but also the physical benefits that are very similar to that of ballet. The importance of coordination, attention to detail and overall muscle development are all areas of knowledge I look forward to bringing with me in my new role as a swim teacher.”
Raquel added: “I love the way that Puddle Ducks lessons are child led, provide me with balance as a working mum and have supported me as I embark on my new journey. I can’t wait to dive in!”.
Owner of Puddle Ducks North Hampshire and Reading, Lizzie Moore commented: “It’s great to welcome Raquel to our team. She has so much knowledge from her experience as a professional ballerina and, from teaching ballet to children, but also as a mother, that I know she’s going to be really successful and make a huge splash amongst our customers”.
