A BELOVED dance academy founder and principal who was a "figure of inspiration" has died aged 47.
Zennor McGuire, from Bewdley, founded Zennor’s Dance and Musical Theatre Academy in 2011, which welcomed over 150 students at its peak.
The dancer was born in Cornwall in 1977 and named after the Mermaid of Zennor, a place her parents loved.
She attended St John's Primary School in Cambourne before moving to Birmingham, completing her education at Park Hall.
She danced from an early age, training at Penelope's Dance School and after leaving school spent several years performing in the Algarve, Portugal, before returning to the UK and settling in Bewdley.
There she pursued further studies in Music Management and Performing Arts at Kidderminster College.
She then worked as an entertainer, performing arts teacher, nanny, and teaching assistant for children with special needs.
In 2011, Zennor founded Zennor’s Dance and Musical Theatre Academy, offering a "supportive environment for all ages to discover the joy of performing".
The academy offered International Dance Teachers' Association examinations and was the only provider of adult tap and jazz lessons in Stourport and Far Forest, while also catering to children with special needs and providing private lessons in various styles.
Her impact extended beyond the classroom, raising thousands for charities like Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Brain Tumour Research, and Children in Need.
The academy has also allowed students to perform at annual events, including Cleobury Festival, Wyre Forest Countryside Show, and Stourport and Bewdley Carnivals.
Zennor had a passion for rock music, especially artists like Pink and Maroon 5, and was the singer of the rock band Lyck.
Zennor died on Sunday, September 1, and a memorial tribute event is set to take place, inviting friends and family to celebrate her life at Wharton Park Golf and Country Club, on Sunday, November 10 between 2pm and 4.30pm.
A private casting ceremony was held after her death. Her ashes have been spread over Zennor's Head in Cornwall.
Zennor leaves behind her mother, sister and daughter, who will continue to honour her legacy.
Paying tribute to Zennor, her family said: "Zennor was such a beautiful person inside and out.
"We will always love and miss her and her excitement about everything she did".
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