A DANCE legend has tragically died aged 77 after a short illness.
Sir Richard Alston, who worked for the BBC, created over 200 dances in his five-decade career.
He founded the Richard Alston Dance Company and was the artistic director of The Place from 1994 to 2020.
Richard appeared in the 1994 BBC Television documentary 40 Years of Dance.
He was also hired to work on choreography for The Rite of Spring for the BBC’s Masterworks series.
Sir Richard was awarded a Knighthood for services to Dance at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
He sadly died after a “period of ill health” surrounded by his friends at his home yesterday.
A post on his Instagram read: “It is with deep sadness that we have to report the death of Sir Richard Alston.
“After a period of ill-health, and despite exceptional treatment at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead and the support of his closest friends, he passed away peacefully at his home on 7th September.
“While Richard is best known for his extraordinary career and contribution to contemporary dance, we will also remember him for his wit, warmth, and generosity of spirit.
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“The work of the Richard Alston Foundation will continue to ensure that the legacy of this seminal dance artist and choreographer can continue to inspire future generations.”
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.”