We were saddened to learn that Sara Matthews, formerly Dean of Dance, then Director of Dance at Trinity Laban died on Monday 8 June.
Sara was a valued colleague, held in high regard for her creativity, professionalism and enormous knowledge of dance. She was also known for her kindness, calm presence and great sense of humour.
Sara trained at Rambert School before joining Rambert Dance Company in 1985, where she enjoyed a distinguished 11-year performing career, working with three Artistic Directors – Robert North, Richard Alston, and Christopher Bruce – and appearing in works by numerous choreographers, including Siobhan Davies, Lucinda Childs, Merce Cunningham, Sir Frederick Ashton, Mark Baldwin, David Gordon, Ashley Page and Ian Spink.
After retiring from the stage Sara pursued her passion for nurturing artistic excellence, returning to Rambert School to teach and later joining Central School of Ballet, first as Head of Dance in 1988, then as Artistic Director. She continued to choreograph for a wide range of organisations including Central School of Ballet, Ballet Central, Rambert, Richard Alston Dance Company, the Royal Opera House, English National Ballet (with Dame Gillian Weir at Westminster Abbey) and London Contemporary Dance School.
Her commitment to the advancement of dance training continued in her roles at Trinity Laban as Dean of Dance from 2017, and subsequently as Director of Dance from 2019 – 2024. She made a lasting contribution to the training and development of future generations of dancers whilst creating new work and choreographing projects including collaborations with composer Philip Feeney; dance performances within the London 2012 Olympic venues; productions at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a joint performance with the Southbank Sinfonia.
Sara was a regular leader of CoLab projects and travelled extensively representing Trinity Laban around the world, leading workshops, meeting and auditioning prospective students, before making them feel welcome on arrival in our community.
Her contribution to dance, both as a performer and educator, leave a lasting legacy. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends at this time.
Sara with students at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Japan
Left to right: Sara Matthews, Alison Curtis-Jones, Trinity Laban Honorary Fellow and alum Peter Gn and Faye Harrison in Singapore
