Val Bourne

Bourne, Val (b Rangoon, 27 Dec. 1938). British dancer, arts administrator, and founder of Britain's Dance Umbrella festival. She trained at the Royal Ballet School and performed briefly with the Royal Ballet. Danced with Sadler's Wells Opera Ballet for three years. In 1968 she began working as an arts administrator, first with London Festival Ballet and later with Ballet Rambert. In 1978 she organized the first Dance Umbrella festival, which went on to become the largest festival of contemporary dance in the world. In 1985 she won a ‘Bessie’ (New York Dance and Performance Award). In March 1990 she received the International Theatre Institute's Award in recognition of her achievements in international dance; also Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres. As artistic director of Dance Umbrella for more than twenty years she has fostered the careers of dozens of British dance artists and introduced many international performers and companies to Britain.