My Gurus

JANE DUDLEY, DIRECTOR OF GRAHAM STUDIES AT LONDON CONTEMPORARY DANCE SCHOOL

Jane introduced me to contemporary dance in England. When I arrived here aged 18 after years of classical training in Portugal, it was a dream come true to study at London Contemporary Dance School under a disciple of Martha Graham. Jane was strict, even scary to my student’s eyes, but always an inspiration, encouraging discipline and a broadness of mind within all artforms.

ROBERT COHAN, FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE PLACE AND OF LONDON CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE (LCDT)

Bob made my student dreams a reality. After four years of training (and spending most of my breaks watching the LCDT dancers through the windows of the studio) it was complete fulfilment to be offered a job with the company. Bob was an amazing teacher and still knows when to say the right words.

JANET EAGER (MOP), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LONDON CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE AND RICHARD ASTON DANCE COMPANY

Mop was my manager at LCDT. I always admired how friendly and caring she was – all the dancers adored as well as respected her. She knew how to maintain a balanced relationship with all personnel, was an excellent administrator and knew exactly how best to run her ship.

TIM TUBBS, DIRECTOR OF UK FOUNDATION FOR DANCE

Tim trained me as a dance manager at Independance. I was pregnant with my first child at the time and embarking on a new and challenging profession. Tim gave me an excellent grounding through a very ‘hands on’ type of training. I learnt a great deal under his guidance. He encouraged me to develop my own clients and to learn from my own experiences and mistakes.

GILLIAN NEWSON, DIRECTOR OF DANCE ARTS UK AND INTERNATIONAL AGENT RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY

I met Gillian at British Dance Edition in Cambridge and immediately warmed to her. After working for IMG Artists in New York for many years she had become freelance and accepted Henri Oguike Dance Company as a client. Gillian was a great support during my time as General Manager there and she still is today. She is living proof that agents can be truly caring to artists as well as business-like.

RICHARD ALSTON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE PLACE AND THE RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY (RADC)

Richard always appears in my life at the right time. He first employed me as a dancer with his newly formed company at The Place in 1994. After five years, I was ready to start a family (the clock was ticking) and embark on a new career. In 2009, I applied for the position of Executive Director of RADC and here I am. Richard is a true inspiration, a living encyclopaedia of dance and the best boss I could wish for. He makes me laugh, despite the current difficult arts climate and I feel truly lucky to have landed in his hands again.