Robin Howard

Howard, Robin (b London, 21 May, 1924, d 1989). British dance benefactor and founder of London Contemporary Dance Theatre. After seeing Graham's company in London in 1954 he became an ardent enthusiast of her work and in 1963 arranged her London and Edinburgh seasons. In the same year he also set up a trust to fund British dancers travelling to New York to study her technique. In 1965 he arranged for Graham teachers to give classes in London and from that base he founded the London School of Contemporary Dance in 1966. In the same year he set up the Contemporary Ballet Trust (from 1970 the Contemporary Dance Trust) to further develop modern dance in Britain and in 1967 London Contemporary Dance Theatre gave its first performances. In 1969 he acquired The Place which became headquarters to both school and company and with which he retained close links until his death.