Mrs Butterworth began her teaching career in Worthing when she was just 17. Encouraged by Rita Ireland she set up a few classes which were so successful she soon opened her own school. She was a talented and truly inspirational teacher and choreographer. Dancers taught by her had the unique record of having won the junior ballet group trophy at the Worthing Music Festival, for 33 consecutive years! She was also a huge supporter of the Sussex Festival( formerly Brighton and Hove competitive festival.) She served for many years as the vice chairman of the Worthing Music festival committee, and in a long career, choreographed works for the Worthing Operatic Society and the Worthing Light Opera.

In 1991 Mrs Butterworth was invited to choreograph a ballet for her pupils at the opening of the ‘Fonteyn Centre’ at the Royal Academy of Dance, which was presented to the Queen.

Many former pupils went on to dance or teach professionally, including Caroline Jenkins, principal dancer with the Belgian Royal Ballet de Wallonie, who in 1991 took over Jean’s school on her retirement. The school still bears her name.

In 1994, after serving as a children’s examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance for 18 years she was awarded a Fellowship of the Academy, the most prestigious honour to be given by that institution.

She was much loved by the many students she taught and guided, whether into dance careers or simply those who, through her work, went on to appreciate the art and dedication of the dancer. She was committed to her young dancers right till the end, when she died suddenly on April 3rd 1998, whilst attending the Brighton and Hove Competitive Music Festival at Roedean School.