I first knew Richard when I was a dancer at The Place in the early nineties. Like everyone who had the pleasure of taking class with him, working for him or seeing his work, I found him an inspirational teacher and choreographer. His place in dance history is assured.
But I came to know him far better when we worked together as trustees of Dance Professionals Fund for over a decade.
Richard was a tireless champion of dancers. He dedicated his time, energy and wisdom to the Fund, which helps dancers when they need it most. He was fair, wise and generous, but, importantly, he could always offer a different point of view, challenging us to think more deeply and helping the charity become more accessible to a greater number of dance professionals.
Richard had an extraordinary knowledge of the dance world, which helped the Fund expand its remit and reach a wider spectrum of dance forms and dancers. His curiosity about the landscape and possibilities of dance, and his joy in the art form, were infectious. He brought soul and meaning to every meeting.
Richard was very proud to succeed our wonderful patron, Dame Monica Mason, as Chair in 2022, and he was an inspired choice of successor. Generous, thoughtful and compassionate always, he guided the trustees through serious and sometimes heartbreaking work, but always with a sense of hope. He had the ability to hear every voice, weigh each perspective carefully and then offer compelling and considered leadership to ensure that those who depended on us received the best possible support.
We will miss him enormously. His charity work has left an indelible legacy that Dance Professionals Fund will continue to uphold.
Rest in peace, Sir Richard.
