Paulette Harwood, who devoted nearly 60 years to teaching dancers in Needham and Newton, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday.

Paulette touched the lives of generations. She was a successful and fully engaged member of our business community and a pioneer for women business owners.

 

She started dancing as a young girl and at the age of 15, while still a student at Brookline High School, moved to New York City where she eventually became a soloist at Radio City Music Hall in the Corps de Ballet. She married, came back to the Boston area and opened her studio in 1959.

 

In addition to her work as an instructor, she was a choreographer for high schools, colleges, and the Boston Celtics. She also designed costumes for contestants in the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America pageants, as well as for students in her own shows.

 

Paulette's Ballet Studio most recently had been located at the Saco-Pettee Mill Building on Oak Street in Newton. Prior to her current location, the business was located at the Mills Falls Building in Newton just a few blocks away and before that operated across the river in Needham. Her dancers performed at many chamber events and were always a highlight at Needham's annual Street Fair and Harvest Fair.

 

The chamber was pleased to honor Paulette with a Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year at our annual Needham Night Dinner.