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Pumphrey was the dance mistress at the Crofton House School during the twenties, offering “dancing of the ballet type,” which the students enjoyed as a welcome relief from English and Greek dancing. Judging from their enthusiastic reviews of Pumphrey's performances found in a number of “Boarders' Notes” from the school annuals, she was a popular teacher. In the “Notes” from 1927, we find: We enjoyed Miss Pumphrey's dancing display at the Avenue Theatre on May 1st. The program was varied, as the performers ranged from bright skipping elves to graceful swaying Grecian dancers. Miss Pumphrey herself danced very beautifully. Needless to say, those of the boarders who had dancing lessons were very much envied by the less fortunate ones. In 1928, the students described Pumphrey's display at the Vancouver Theatre in aid of the Girl Guide Funds: “The costumes and dancing are most artistic and fascinating.” At a dancing display in 1930, they found Pumphrey's solo, Flame, “an exhibition of grace and beauty.” (next page)
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The Vancouver Directory first lists Joyce Pumphrey, Dancing Teacher, in 1919. In 1923, she participated in the Spring Fantasy Cabaret organized by the Women's Auxiliary of the Vancouver General Hospital. This took place at the Hotel Vancouver on February 9, with Miss Joyce Pumphrey and Mr. A.E. Hall performing a “Pompodore Dance” called Keys of Heaven. Pumphrey would go on to organize dance recitals in aid of the VGH for many years. 
