Dancer Bob knew how to 'Put On The Ritz'

A CELEBRATION of life is to be held for a dance teacher who taught thousands of Plymothians to learn and love - ballroom and Latin dancing.

Bob Gibson, the principal at Puttin' On The Ritz, passed away at St Luke's Hospice earlier this month following a diagnosis of cancer in November.

By his own insistence, there will be no funeral but a celebration of Bob's life with music, dancing and his favourite snack, pork pies - is to be held next month.

Bob ran his Plympton dance school for many years after relocating from Manchester, intending to retire. The school in Kay Close, now renamed Empower Dance and Fitness Studio, will be closed until Wednesday, February 21 as a mark of respect.

Instructor Kelly HardingRead, who ran the dance school alongside Bob, paid tribute to a man who was known not only for his brilliant dancing but also his great sense of humour and kindness.

Kelly said: "Bob changed hundreds of lives over the years through dancing; kids, adults, parents all learnt so much and you could always see how happy he was teaching them, dancing and helping to change their lives. His passing has left a gigantic hole in the community but he always said to celebrate the times we shared together."