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John Ashford

July 6, 1944 - December 17, 2023

Sadly John left us in December after a short illness. Megumi was at his side when he decided he was ready to go, peacefully. Over a long career, John was the first Theatre Editor of Time Out magazine (60s), Manager of Royal Court Theatre Upstairs (70s), Theatre Director at the ICA (early 80s), Director of The Place Theatre and founder of Aerowaves (1986-2022). His core beliefs and passions were the same, whether for theatre or dance. He was always thinking of new ideas - even while sunbathing on the beach. Always out looking for inspiration, new possibilities to explore. Always looking ahead. He loved sharing his ideas with like-minded people, creating joy together with them, connecting to the wider world - Europe, the Far East and beyond. John had special gift for spotting talent and potential in people, whether they were artists, writers or administrators and he helped them to develop their potential. That said, in return those people gave him great pleasure and made his life richer. John received a CBE(2002) for services to dance and, in 2022, the award for Outstanding Achievement at the Critics Circle National Dance Awards. If you would like to contribute your thoughts, please feel free to do so.

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2024-07-05 21:30:21 wrote:

Dear John, I was just about to move to the US for the first time when I heard of your passing. It had been on my mind, once I got there, to message you to hear your insights on dance in the US. I felt I already knew what your response would be - a stipulation that you were not an expert in it, followed by a great number of specific and informed insights into dance in the US today and how it has changed over time. Any things that I had noticed from starting to attend classes and rehearsals, you would also respond to with generosity and respect. I always felt, as I know many did, that you would always be keen to hear my perspective on things; you would be open, curious and probing, and I would always leave our conversations hoping that I would someday amass the insights and experiences that you had. You are missed.

2024-07-05 21:30:21 wrote: Dear John, I was just about to move to the US for the first time when I heard of your passing. It had been on my mind, once I got there, to message you to hear your insights on dance in the US. I felt I already knew what your response would be - a stipulation that you were not an expert in it, followed by a great number of specific and informed insights into dance in the US today and how it has changed over time. Any things that I had noticed from starting to attend classes and rehearsals, you would also respond to with generosity and respect. I always felt, as I know many did, that you would always be keen to hear my perspective on things; you would be open, curious and probing, and I would always leave our conversations hoping that I would someday amass the insights and experiences that you had. You are missed.

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