Cultural Hall of Fame 2023

We celebrate the legacy of Leigh Brewer and induct a remarkable woman into the Wellington Girls College Arts and Cultural Hall of Fame. 

Leigh loved dance. It was more than merely an art form or skill to be learnt. It was the essence of her life, in her dreams and in every waking moment. Life for Leigh was simply a continuous enchainment of choreographed steps and moves performed to the music which surrounded her. 

In 2023 we also commemorate the 10 year anniversary of her passing. Today we pay tribute to an extraordinary individual who has lived an indelible mark on the world of dance and the arts. 

Leigh Brewer was born on the 10th of October 1933, and from an early age, her talent and dance was evident to all who had the privilege to see her. And just six years old, she was already labelled an infant prodigy. Lee attended Wellington Girls' College from 1947 to 1949, but it wasn't just her talent that set her apart, it was her unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to achieving excellence. 

During World War 2, Leigh had the honour of performing for the US Marines and the Majestic cabaret, an invitation reserved only for the most exceptional talents. A teenager age of 15, she achieved the Royal Academy of Dancers highest honour, the solo. A testament to her exceptional abilities as a dancer, yet Leigh's story took a different turn. 

Her father made a pivotal decision to contract her as a partner and teacher at the Dorothy Daniels Academy of Dancing. This change in direction didn't deter her. Instead, it ignited a passion for nurturing the next generation of dancers and finding the dancer within her students. In 1960, Leigh Brewer established the Wellington City Ballet. She went on to produce what would be a New Zealand's first 'Children of the mist' a remarkable work based on a Māori legend, showcased her choreographic brilliance, cementing her legacy in the world of dance. 

Throughout her career, Leigh choreographed for prestigious organisations such as the Royal New Zealand ballet, Wellington Operatic Society, New Zealand Opera, New Zealand Māori Trust and numerous musicals and performances across the country. She also lent her talent to television leaving an indelible mark on the arts and culture of New Zealand. 

Leigh's impact extended beyond dance as she ventured into the world of fitness and wellness. She trained in aerobic dance during her time in New York, returning to establish Leigh Brewers aerobic dance, which still thrives under the guidance of her past students. But Leigh was not just a dancer and a choreographer, she was also a gifted artist, creating bronze sculptures of dancers that graced exhibitions at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts, private galleries, and even to Papa. 

In 2001 Leigh Brewer was awarded the Officer of New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding service to theatre and Dance, a recognition of her immense contributions to the cultural fabric of New Zealand. One of Leigh's favourite sayings was "You can't store physical fitness, it must be renewed regularly". This mantra effect reflects her unwavering dedication to her craft, her students and her community. 

Today, as we reflect on her achievements, we remember Leigh Brewer as a WGC old girl who achieved the highest level of excellence in her chosen field. She gave back to her community through her teaching, choreography and dedication to physical fitness. Her life and career serve as a shining example to our students, both present and future, reminding us of the limitless possibilities that await those who pursue their passions with dedication and determination. 

As we induct Leigh Brewer into the Wellington Girls' College Arts and Cultural Hall of Fame in 2023, we honour a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift us all. Her contribution to the arts, dance and our community is immeasurable and we are privileged to celebrate her life today.

Two weeks before Leigh passed away, her passion to create movement and dance was alive and well. Learning and teaching the art and movement of dance positively engulfed Leigh and was the pattern of her life to the very end.

The talents and contributions of this amazing woman were recognized in the 2001 Queens Birthday Honours when Leigh was awarded Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for service to Theatre and Dance. And for the hundreds of dancers who's life's Leigh has touched, she will always be remembered and recognised for giving them the confidence to express the emotion of dance which is within each one of us.