Val Deakin

Valerie Ann Deakin (27 December 1935 – 23 May 2025) was a New Zealand dancer, choreographer and dance teacher. Deakin danced, choreographed and taught in the UK, Turkey and the US before returning to New Zealand. She established a dance school and theatre trust in Taranaki, which celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2022. In 1993 Deakin was awarded a New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal. In 2024 she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to dance.

Deakin died at a care home in New Plymouth, on 25 May 2025, at the age of 89.

Early life and education Deakin was born in New Plymouth, and attended dance classes as a four year old in New Plymouth, and later moved to Wellington. She trained at the Arts Education Schools in London, and also gained a scholarship to attend the Royal Ballet School.

New Zealand career Returning to New Zealand in 1972, Deakin founded the a dance school, teaching ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. Deakin retired as a teacher in 2022, aged 87.

In the 2024 New Year Honours Deakin was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to dance.