Dancer Wayne McGregor: ‘a thrill’ to get CBE at Buckingham Palace
Choreographer shares New Year award with ‘brilliant network of professionals’
Published: 14th January, 2011
by JOSH LOEB
IT is a sign, perhaps, of the burgeoning profile of dance that Wayne McGregor, one of its brightest lights, this month joined the list of Islingtonians who received a CBE in the New Year Honours List.
McGregor is not technically an Islingtonian – he grew up in Stockport and lives in Covent Garden – but has surely earned the status of honorary citizen as his company, Wayne McGregor Random Dance, is based at Sadler’s Wells in Clerkenwell.
The multi-award-winning choreographer is keen to emphasise that his honour should not be regarded as an accolade for him alone, saying this week: “This honour is a shared one. Without our brilliant network of dance professionals in the UK and abroad, we couldn’t do half of the exciting work we do.”
In a country where dance has in the past been neglected as an art form, clinching the establishment’s stamp of approval is no mean feat, particularly for a figure whose influences seem at first glance perilously off-the-wall.
In interviews online, the choreographer, who is 40, can be seen discussing subjects such as the changing perception of the body in the Age of Enlightenment, cognitive neuroscience and the evolution of prehistoric life forms.
He describes his dancers as “objects to think with” and is interested in “disorientated, slightly disjointed” styles of movement.
In an interview with the Tribune this week, he championed dance as “a strong driver in the community” as well as “an excellent creative outlet” for young people.
“It’s an art form for them to express themselves beyond words, on raw, immediate and direct terms,” he said. “It’s fantastic for confidence, cooperation and connecting with other people – and it is totally fun.”
As well as his work for theatres, including the Paris Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet, he has worked as a movement director on films such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
He was “surprised and delighted” by his CBE and is looking forward to a trip to Buckingham Palace in the summer. “I’m not exactly sure what happens, but I am sure it will be a thrill,” he said.
Solicitor honoured for 25-year career
SOLICITOR Stephanie Currie has received an MBE for services to the City of London, writes Cait Morrison.
Ms Currie, known to friends and family as Stella, was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and now lives in the Barbican.
She has been a member of the City of London Corporation for 25 years, and deputy in Cripplegate ward, which includes the Barbican, since 1996. “I feel very honoured, it’s so exciting,” she said. “I seriously never expected this.”
She will celebrate her award with colleagues next week. “By chance I had organised a dinner party to celebrate 25 years as a member of the council, and now I have something else to celebrate as well,” she said.