|
Whipp Family History
|
Timmy PALMER - 'World' Professional Ballroom Dance Champion
Born Timothy Pike 8th February 1907 in London
Died 13th November 1949 aged 42
Undefeated 'World', British & 'STAR' Professional Ballroom Champion
Timothy was the son of William John Pike (confirmed in 2023 by DNA) and Rebecca Hall. He took the name Timmy Palmer for his professional dance career.
At the age of 25 in 1932 Timmy won with partner Kathleen Price his first British Professional Ballroom Dance championship held at the Twelfth Annual Blackpool Dance Festival.
'The Modern Ballroom & Dancing' magazine stated - " The skill of Timmy's dancing will live long in the history of Modern Ballroom dancing. Timmy has a delightful swing, technically of course, he is perfect and he will always be remembered for his exquisite footwork."
In 1933, again in Blackpool he again won the title, this time being placed first in all four dances with partner Edna Deane. The pair later the same year won the 'World' Ballroom Championship held at the Amateur Dancing Club.
Edna Deane and Ella
Spowart were the best known as the elite of
Josephine Bradley's stable of pupils, each of
whom in turn partnered the legendary Timmy Palmer.
In 1934 he took part in a filmed dance sequence with Pyllis & Freda Haylor, Charles Scrimshaw and others at the 'Empress Rooms' London. An excerpt was shown on BBC4 January 2008 in the 'Dance Britannia' series. Timmy can be seen in the 1934 'Movietone' News clip below.
At the beginning of the clip he is shown dancing in a Ballroom competition wearing the number 34. (On first take he is seen gliding effortlessly with his partner in a light colour dress in the background.) In the studio Edna Dean (blond hair) is shown with a dance partner. Timmy is then shown (the gentleman with the moustache) giving a studio demonstration and, at the end dancing with his British & 'World' dancing partner Edna Deane.
Click below to view clip
In 1939 Timmy was again British Professional Ballroom Dance Champion, this time with partner Ella Spowart.
He remains the only person to win the championship three times with different partners.
He won the 'STAR',
the most important Professional Championship in the South of England at the
Empress Hall, Earls Court, London in 1938 & 1939
with partner Ella Spowart. The prize in 1939 of £15 (now £2500) was presented by
Ivor Novello.
Timmy's first marriage was to Ena Scott in 1927. His second marriage was to Jenny Barham in 1947. They had two sons.
His early death at the age of 42 robbed the dancing world of a great exponent of the Ballroom art. His remains were cremated at Golders Green cemetery, London.
Timmy Palmer & Edna Deane Timmy Palmer & Ella Spowart
Timmy and Professional Trophy 1932 After signing up for WW2 in the On honeymoon in Biarritz 1947
R.A.F. 1940
Sheet music cover of 1938 Liverpool Echo 17th June 1932 From the 'Dancing Times' 1939
1940 Event held in 1949 - 5 months before he died
All images are copyright of Brian Whipp.