Nicola Gaines (1955 – 2024)
The Royal Ballet School is deeply saddened to hear that Nicola Gaines, an Associate Teacher at the School and renowned expert in Early Dance, has died.
Nicola Gaines was a luminary in the field of historical dance whose contributions have left an immense mark on both students and colleagues.
A graduate of the London College of Dance and Drama, Nicola first encountered historical dance under the tutelage of the late Belinda Quirey MBE. Nicola joined The Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate Programme at the invitation of Jocelyn Mather, former Principal of the Programme. She was initially brought in to teach Playford dances to help develop students’ spatial awareness and the fundamentals of corps de ballet work. Over time, she expanded her teaching to include natural movement, incorporating elements of Dalcroze and ballet, all of which fostered deep musicality in her young dancers.
Nicola’s career was marked by a deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of historical dance. She collaborated extensively with esteemed institutions such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the East of England Orchestra, Viva. Her educational projects reached a broad audience, including workshops for the European Piano Teachers Association, the British Kinematograph Society, and the Purcell School of Music.
In 1998, Nicola’s knowledge and artistry were immortalised in a highly acclaimed video on Baroque dance, recorded with Christopher Tudor, who taught contemporary dance at The Royal Ballet School. This video remains a significant resource, reflecting Nicola’s passion for preserving historical dance traditions.
Mark Annear, our Director of Training and Access and friend, shared a tribute to Nicola:
Nicola’s dedication to her craft was inspiring. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for Early Dance were unmatched, and her influence on the dance community will be felt for years to come. Nicola was not only a remarkable teacher but also a warm and generous soul who touched the lives of many.
Nicola Gaines will be remembered for her extraordinary contributions to the dance world and dedication to her students and colleagues. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of dancers and educators.
