Clara Reid

Clara was the youngest of nine daughters born to James Reid and Elizabeth Forbes Reid. The girls were all "farmed out" by their parents to an organisation that educated and trained promising children for its travelling musical theatre group. Clara was a very talented dancer and theatrical performer who met her husband, John William Pyman, whilst whilst touring, he was working briefly with a group of professional divers. He then became her manager/agent and, following the birth of their two sons, in 1900 and 1901, they even toured Africa, Australia and Canada, before emigrating to the States. She taught dancing, with Gwen Verdon as her most famous pupil, and remained fit until her death at the age of 94.