Photo taken Terry Cryer at the Opening Event for the new building on 30 September 1997
We are saddened by the news of Sir Richard Alston CBE's passing and remain grateful for his long history with Yorkshire, Leeds, and NSCD. Early in his career, he toured extensively to Yorkshire colleges, schools, and festivals with his first company, Strider, including Bretton Hall and Lady Mabel College, where NSCD founder Nadine Senior MBE studied.
He first met Nadine while touring with Rambert annually at the Grand Theatre and was invited to become NSCD’s first external assessor of practical work, and stayed with NSCD for many years throughout our development, including cutting the ribbon for the opening of new parts of the building.
“I loved coming into this school and being very honest about the fact that I was a choreographer. I hadn't had much academic education myself. I left school early. And I just responded to not only the really good teaching there, but also the students were so energetic... It had that kind of excitement of when things start, I felt very lucky to be involved.”
Sir Richard brought his company works on tour to NSCD’s Riley Theatre as well as choreographing and restaging work with our students on the iconic stage. Recently, talking about his experience with NSCD's Kaleidoscope team, he said:
“It's a wonderful stage, especially when the wings are pulled back a bit. It's a beautiful big space. The people are right in front of you. We used to sit in the pews. So it was very direct. I saw many, many exciting performances, not just students, but also visiting companies. And my company went there during one of the Yorkshire festivals. We wanted to perform there. Professional companies wanted to perform there. A really brilliant heart to the building.”
Sir Richard was a trailblazer of contemporary dance and will be greatly missed by the sector. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Images feature Gail Claxton & Steven Houghton in Mr Woody (1990) choreographed by Sir Richard Alston, taken by Terry Cryer
