Remembering Gail Graves

The Royal Ballet School is deeply saddened to learn that Gail Graves, former Senior Academic Teacher and Head of Degree Programme at Upper School, has died.  

Gail started working for The Royal Ballet School in September 2010, and was responsible for the creation and introduction of the bespoke Foundation Degree and BA in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance, which she wrote for the School in 2017 and which all students joining the Upper School are enrolled in upon entry. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a dance educator, Gail delivered a wide range of courses from GCSE dance, A level, BTEC and degree level programmes. She worked for AQA as a senior dance examiner and conducted specialist inspection work for OFSTED in performing arts and dance schools. 

Gail also had extensive teacher training experience, delivering and mentoring for the RAD postgraduate teacher training course as well as in the planning, writing and delivery of bespoke teacher training courses for a range of organisations such as the National Resource Centre for Dance, RAD, Keynote as well as freelance work in a variety of schools and colleges. 

Gail was known for her cheerful disposition, her love of dance and her relentless focus on doing everything she could to improve the experiences of our students. She was committed to the idea that students should have a voice in shaping their own futures. It was under her direction that the students were able to comment upon, and seek change to, their educational programmes in meetings with our validating university.  

Gail will be remembered as kind, caring, supportive and ready for any and all challenges thrown her way. She will be sorely missed by many at The Royal Ballet School and beyond.