We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Rambert dancer and respected dance educator Sara Matthews, who passed away on 8 June 2026.

Sara trained at Rambert School before joining Rambert Dance Company in 1985, beginning an outstanding eleven year career with the company. During her time at Rambert she worked under three Artistic Directors – Robert North, Richard Alston and Christopher Bruce – and performed works by many of the leading choreographers of her generation, including Siobhan Davies, Lucinda Childs, Merce Cunningham, Mark Baldwin, David Gordon, Ashley Page and Ian Spink.

Among the many highlights of her career with Rambert was her appearance in The Mannequin Dance from A Tragedy of Fashion during the company’s 60th anniversary celebrations at Sadler’s Wells in June 1986. Originally choreographed by Frederick Ashton for Marie Rambert’s company in 1926, A Tragedy of Fashion marked the beginning of Rambert’s artistic journey. Sara’s performance in this landmark revival, six decades later, beautifully connected the company’s founding history with a new generation of artists.

A gifted and versatile artist, Sara performed across a wide range of Rambert repertoire and also created work of her own, including No Strings Attached (1986) and Close My Eyes (1994).

After retiring from the stage, she dedicated herself to developing future generations of dancers. She returned to Rambert School as a teacher before joining Central School of Ballet, where she became Head of Dance and later Artistic Director. Her commitment to dance education continued at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she served as Dean of Dance and subsequently Director of Dance, while continuing to choreograph and lead projects across the sector.

Sara was admired for her creativity, professionalism and deep knowledge of dance, as well as her kindness, generosity and sense of humour. Through her work as both a performer and educator, she made a lasting contribution to the art form and to the many dancers whose lives she touched.

Everyone at Rambert sends their heartfelt condolences to Sara’s family, friends, colleagues and former students at this difficult time. She will be remembered with great affection, gratitude and admiration.

Photo credits: Sara Matthews performing The Mannequin Dance from Frederick Ashton’s A Tragedy of Fashion, Rambert’s 60th Anniversary Gala, Sadler’s Wells, June 1986. Photograph by Angela Taylor.