My Gurus

Antony Peppiatt

In 1989 I secured the role of Administrator for a dance management scheme. I loved dance but knew very little about it and I knew hardly any more about management. I felt a bit of a fraud. Antony was engaged as my mentor. He had a long history in dance as a producer and consultant, and over the years had worked with many leading dance artists and organisations. But like me he had no formal training in dance or management – he’d learnt on the job. Not only was I immediately reassured that I might be able to do the job, but the way Antony worked across a portfolio of artists and projects became something I aspired to. He was a true independent: clear of thought and an independent business unit in his own right, and equally a great collaborator. Antony was a part of my professional life until he retired. When I became an independent he not only signposted opportunities and brought me in to work on his projects, but I never stopped dipping into his vast tool box and learning from him.