News

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance has appointed Sara Matthews as Director of Dance from January 2019.

A former Director of the Central School of Ballet, Sara joined Trinity Laban as Dean of the Faculty of Dance in January 2017. Within this wide-ranging role, she has sought out strategic opportunities to enhance training, developed innovative artistic projects – including with alumni – and worked with staff and students to establish a collaborative approach to curriculum development.

Sara has worked closely with the current Director of Dance Mirella Bartrip, who is retiring at the end of 2018 after 36 years at the Conservatoire. Mirella Bartrip commented – 

“Sara brings a wealth of experience in the training and education of dance artists, as well as a profound and passionate commitment to the continuing development of our art form and to its infinite collaborative possibilities. This is a superb combination for the future leadership of the Faculty.”

Sara Matthews said –

“I am thrilled to be taking on this role, which Mirella has fulfilled so magnificently. We have so much to celebrate here at Trinity Laban – our buildings and facilities, our collaborations and artistic projects, but most of all, the truly wonderful staff. I am excited at the prospect of working collaboratively with so many inspiring and talented colleagues, both within the Faculty of Dance and across the whole of Trinity Laban.”

Principal of Trinity Laban, Professor Anthony Bowne, added –

“Under Mirella Bartrip’s leadership, the Faculty of Dance has gone from strength to strength. Our innovative practice is attracting attention from dance artists and educators across the globe, and we’re receiving record levels of applications for our teaching programmes. Sara Matthews has already played a big part in that success, and I am truly delighted that she is taking over as Director of Dance to lead us into the next chapter of our history.”

Sara Matthews studied dance at The Rambert Academy, and was a member of Rambert Dance Company from 1985 to 1996. In 1996 she established the post of Choreographer in Residence at Queens’ College, Cambridge, before being appointed Head of Dance at Central School of Ballet in 1998. She remained at the school for 18 years, being appointed Assistant Director in 2002 and then Director in 2009, before joining Trinity Laban as Dean of the Faculty of Dance in January 2017.