Early Training and Background

• US dancer and choreographer. Born in 1945
• 1965-67 studied ballet at the Royal Ballet School
• 1966 studied contemporary, jazz and composition part-time at London School of Contemporary Dance (LSCD)
• 1968-69 studied and danced for Martha Graham Company and studied Cunningham in the US
• Founding member of LCDT in 1967
• In 1975, Robert North was appointed associate choreographer of LCDT
• He also worked as a guest choreographer for Ballet Rambert
• He taught contemporary dance at the Royal Ballet School from 1979-1981
• In 1975, he was appointed associate choreographer of Ballet Rambert.
• His diverse training in Ballet, Graham technique and Jazz made him an ideal choice to work as associate choreographer for Ballet Rambert as they made their transition post 1966. His skills enabled him to bridge the gap between the worlds of ballet and modern dance.
• • In 1981, he was announced co-artistic director of LCDT
• 1981-1986, North was artistic director of Ballet Rambert
• North’s involvement with LCDT and Rambert enabled further cross-fertilisation between the companies.
• Influences

  • Ballet

  • Matt Mattox Jazz technique- isolation and rhythm

  • Graham Technique

  • Has worked with pre-existing scores in a wide range of styles; classical, folk, popular and also commissioned scores

  • Music usually sets the context, theme or narrative and structure for the work

  • Follows musical structures but allows dance to add its own texture by going against the music at times.

  • Art- Studied architecture at Central School of Art, London in 1963. Often collaborated with Andrew Storer (Lonely Town, Lonely Street).