Prue Skene CBE Tribute It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Prue Skene CBE. Prue Skene served as Rambert’s Executive Director from 1975 to 1986 and later as Chair of the Board from 2000 to 2009. During her time at Rambert, Prue played a key role in shaping the company’s future and its place within the broader dance sector. As Executive Director, she led the celebrations of Rambert’s 50th anniversary in 1976, solidifying its central role in British dance. One of her most significant achievements was spearheading the relocation of Rambert to London’s South Bank, a move that provided the company with a modern, purpose-built and accessible home further enhancing London’s cultural landscape. Beyond Rambert, Prue’s contributions to the dance sector were profound. She chaired the Arts Council of England’s Dance Panel from 1992 to 1995, influencing national dance policies and funding decisions. Her advocacy extended to various organizations, including her role as Chair of Cardboard Citizens, where she championed the transformative power of theatre. We extend our deepest condolences to Prue’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the dance community for generations to come. “To have held the position of leader of the organisation and chair of the board is a rare thing, and this is testimony not only to Prue’s love and commitment to Rambert but also her shrewd business acumen. These two roles gave Prue a wonderful insight into all of the elements needed to ask the vital questions and offer practical and strategic support to her successors. She was pivotal in the process to move Rambert from the Chiswick Studio which grew organically and included one studio which was unsuitable to jump in, to a modern purpose-built home on the South Bank, but most of all she’ll be remembered as a mentor and a trusted advisor. We thank her for her dedication, tenacity and kindness and will miss her wise counsel and many years of support.” Helen Shute- Chief Executive/ Executive Producer and Dame Sue Street- Chair In time, we will host a celebration of her life to honour Prue and her huge contribution to Rambert. In the meantime, if you would like to share your memories via email, please send them to [email protected]. In her memory we share her contribution to Rambert Voices, recorded for Rambert’s 90th anniversary in 2016: In addition, we recently interviewed Prue as part of our Centenary Oral History Project, showcasing how central she has been to the living fabric of Rambert now and forever. Prue Skene Photo by Bob Bowyer Former Artistic Directors Mark Baldwin and Prue Skene 2014 Photo by Alex Harvey Prue Skene with Anya Sainsbury, Frederick Ashton, Maud Lloyd and William Chappel when the Rambert Chiswick Studio was expanded Photo by Brian Wray