One Dance UK is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sir Richard Alston CBE. Alongside his extraordinary contribution to British contemporary dance, Sir Richard was, for many years, a true friend to this organisation: a mentor, a champion, and a generous presence in the lives of the young dancers and choreographers we support through our Children and Young People’s work.
Sir Richard initially served as Chair of Youth Dance England, one of One Dance UK’s forerunner organisations. Following the merger, he became a Champion of our U.Dance and Young Creatives programmes, first personally and later through his foundation. He continued to work with young dancers in this capacity right up to the 2025 U.Dance National Festival, where he delivered workshops and demonstrations to hundreds of young people alongside two of his former dancers. His generosity with his time and experience cannot be overstated.
Laura Nicholson, Interim Chief Executive and Head of Children and Young People’s Dance, said:
“Sir Richard took young people's ideas seriously. To him, they were not students to be corrected, but artists in development whose work deserved thorough thought and attention. His generosity, kindness and genuine interest in every young person he met made a lasting impression. We were incredibly privileged to work with him, and we will work hard to honour his memory.”
We are deeply thankful for everything Richard gave to this organisation and to the young people who came through our programmes. His work will continue to be performed, taught and loved, and the space he made for young dancers and choreographers to find their own voices will remain part of his legacy for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were lucky enough to know and work with him.