Lady Sarah Dorfman OBE

Lady Sarah Dorfman brings extensive philanthropic experience in the sector, support of holistic healthcare, and interest in helping aspiring young artists to her role as Governor of The Royal Ballet School.

Sarah has been one of the UK’s significant supporters of ballet and dance for many years. She first became involved in The Royal Ballet School’s activities as a donor in 2006 before joining the School’s Development Committee. She first joined the Board of Governors in 2012, became Deputy Chair in 2019, and retired from the Board in March 2021 before being reappointed in 2024.

Throughout this time, Sarah has developed a deep knowledge of the School, supporting and funding initiatives including student bursaries, the redevelopment of White Lodge, the ‘Shortfall Appeal’ following the financial crisis in 2009, the purchase and development of Aud Jebsen Hall, and the launch of the Healthy Dancer Programme.

Sarah has also supported several other arts organisations, including The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House, Royal Academy of Dance, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, New English Ballet Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and the choreography programme at Regent’s Park Theatre.

In 2022, Lady Dorfman joined the Royal Academy of Dance as Chair of the Patrons Group and in 2023, was awarded an OBE for services to ballet and dance in the New Years Honours List.