Conversations Loving and losing three good men—the story of a ballerina called 'Blossom'
Nov 12, 2025
Petal Ashmole Winstanley, a seasoned ballerina and memoirist, shares her incredible journey from Perth to international acclaim. She recounts her early ballet training, and her daring move to London at just 18, juggling multiple jobs while chasing her dream. Petal recalls the love and loss of three significant men in her life, including the profound grief after their deaths. Now at 70, she finds love again through online dating, proving that it’s never too late for joy and connection. Through her stories, she reflects on the resilience of the human spirit.
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Childhood Dance Became Emotional Navigation
- Petal learned emotional navigation from dancing for her depressed mother and used that skill to read rooms in ballet politics.
- Early coping through dance translated into professional adaptability later.
Crossing To London With Nothing
- Petal boarded the P&O liner to London at 18 with just £100 and sheer determination.
- She practised on the ship using a steward's alleyway and arrived in London ready to fight for dance work.
Train Daily To Be Ready For Opportunity
- Maria Faye insisted Petal train daily to reach peak condition and told her to pay once she secured work.
- The result: disciplined daily classes directly opened professional opportunities.
