Marking Nicole Guarino’s departure and lasting legacy within Rambert Grades
As Nicole Guarino prepares to depart Rambert Grades after seven years of extraordinary contribution, from co-creating the syllabus to leading the organisation as Head of Operations, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable impact she has had on our community. In recognition of her legacy, Rambert Grades is proud to introduce a new Examination Award in Nicole’s honour.
Nicole’s Journey
Born in São Paulo, Nicole began her Rambert journey after becoming the first Brazilian finalist at the Genée International Ballet Competition (now The Fonteyn), receiving a scholarship to study at Rambert School. Moving from Brazil to London, she graduated with a First Class Honours degree before going on to enjoy an international performing career with Scottish Dance Theatre (UK), Cisne Negro Dance Company (Brazil), and Introdans (Netherlands), later working as a freelance artist. Throughout her performing career, Nicole danced works by renowned choreographers including Hofesh Shechter, Ben Duke, Mark Baldwin, Jiří Kylián, Mats Ek, William Forsythe, Mark Bruce and Lightfoot/León, amongst others.
Alongside performing, Nicole developed an extensive practice in dance education and training. In 2017, she completed a Masters degree with a focus on education at London Contemporary Dance School and went on to teach internationally, including as a guest teacher for New Adventures, Scottish Dance Theatre and Mark Bruce Company. She returned to Rambert School as Rehearsal Director and Contemporary Dance Tutor before moving to Spain to become Lecturer in Contemporary Dance at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona.
Rambert Grades
Nicole has been part of Rambert Grades since its inception, co-developing the Grades 1-8 syllabus alongside Hannah Kidd and Natalie Dodd, helping to shape the industry-informed Contemporary Dance syllabus and qualifications delivered today. A passionate advocate for empowering dancers through both creativity and technical excellence, Nicole played a significant role in developing the distinctive three-strand framework that remains central to the syllabus and its approach to contemporary dance training. She went on to play a pivotal role in the growth of Rambert Grades as Head of Operations, leading the development of the global training platform, strengthening international partnerships, and helping to grow and support a worldwide membership community of more than 700 members across 40 countries.
A lasting legacy:
The Nicole Guarino Award for Inspiration through Dance
To honour Nicole’s extraordinary contribution to Rambert Grades, and the lasting impact she has had on teachers, students and colleagues across our community, we are proud to introduce a new Examination Award in her name.
The Nicole Guarino Award for Inspiration through Dance will recognise a Trained Teacher for outstanding contribution to inclusive and student-centred dance education. The award will be presented for the first time as part of the 2026 Examination Awards.
Amanda Britton, CEO of Rambert Grades said, “I have known Nicole since her time at Rambert School, when I was one of her contemporary dance teachers, and have long admired her creativity, positivity and tenacity. Nicole’s contribution to Rambert Grades has been exceptional, and she has played a hugely significant role in shaping the organisation as it exists today. We wish Nicole all the very best as she embarks on the next stage of her career, and are proud to honour her contribution through the introduction of this new award.”
Everyone at Rambert Grades, alongside the many members and teachers Nicole has supported over the years, wishes her every success as she begins an exciting new chapter in international operational management and delivery.
