Richard Alston during filming for Ashton Inspired, 2025

The Frederick Ashton Foundation was deeply saddened by the death of Sir Richard Alston CBE, whose contribution to British dance spanned more than five decades.

A choreographer, teacher and artistic director, Richard was a major figure in the development of contemporary dance in Britain. After studying at London Contemporary Dance School, he founded the independent company Strider and went on to become Resident Choreographer and Artistic Director of Ballet Rambert. He was Artistic Director of The Place for 25 years, establishing it as a leading centre for contemporary dance, and subsequently founded the Richard Alston Dance Company. He created more than 200 works, distinguished by their musicality, clarity and sensitivity to the human body, and was a passionate advocate for dancers and young artists.

Richard knew Frederick Ashton personally, and recalled him as a friend and a defining influence on his own choreographic thinking. Seeing La Fille mal gardée was an important early inspiration for Richard as a choreographer, and Ashton remained a significant presence throughout his career. Richard generously shared his memories of Ashton with the Foundation as part of our recent Ashton Inspired: Choreographers series, which is available to watch below.

We remember Richard with great admiration and affection, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. 

September 2026