Anderson, Isobel (1914 - )

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Isobel Anderson (Pratt) was born in Narrabri, New South Wales. During her childhood her family lived in various locations throughout Victoria and New South Wales before settling in Bankstown. At the age of twelve Anderson began ballet classes at the Osborn School of Dance. At eighteen, while assisting at the Osborn School, she began studying for Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) examinations at the Frances Scully School in Sydney.

After completing all RAD student examinations in 1935 and the RAD advanced teacher examination in 1939, Anderson married William Pratt and began working as an assistant teacher at the Scully school. After the birth of her second child in 1946 she opened her own school, situated behind her residence in Bankstown.

In 1952 Anderson was appointed examiner for the RAD. She remained teaching at her own school until 1969 when she was appointed the only Resident Examiner for the organisation outside the United Kingdom. For 25 years she was chairperson of the RAD NSW Regional Advisory Panel. The Panel runs the annual Isobel Anderson awards in her honour, and she is now the Panel's patron. In 1986 she was awarded an RAD Fellowship for her contribution to the organisation.

Anderson was also involved with musical societies and in 1957 was appointed choreographer for the Rockdale Musical Society, working with this society until 1980. She retired from teaching in 1987.

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