Abigail Reeve steps down as CEO of Rambert Grades having taken Contemporary Dance learning to a new high
Abigail Reeve, the CEO behind the transformation of Rambert Grades into a global contemporary dance awarding body is to step down this autumn, after two years in post.
She leaves a fast-growing international organisation with 674 members reaching teachers and students in over 40 countries, offering a globally recognised contemporary dance syllabus from early years to pre-professional level.
Appointed in October 2023, Reeve has overseen a period of extraordinary growth and infrastructure development at Rambert Grades. Under her leadership, the organisation:
• Tripled annual exam entries
• Launched a fully digital membership and examination submission platform
• Increased the membership by 416 teachers
• Forged a global partnership with the Royal Academy of Dance
• Commissioned world class Performance Strand work from Matthew Bourne, Will Tuckett, Vidya Patel and ZooNation
• Built a committed, expert team to champion and elevate the standard for creative contemporary dance education for young people worldwide
In parallel with this unprecedented artistic growth, Abigail implemented vital business and operational reforms to futureproof the organisation. Under her dynamic leadership, Rambert Grades has developed scalable systems for examiner training, certification, and international delivery — significantly increasing the organisation’s resilience and capacity for growth.
“It has been a huge privilege working with the Rambert family to help embed Rambert Grades as a unique syllabus in the dance examination sector. What we have continued to create is a syllabus that is accessible and relevant to students across the world and it has been a joy to take the company through the next step of its journey. I am looking forward to seeing the continued work of our Members as they embed this world leading syllabus into their schools and raise the bar for contemporary dance education for all young people.”
Abigail joined Rambert Grades from Birmingham Royal Ballet, having spent 7 years as Producer and Executive Producer bringing the company a wealth of experience in dance education, policy, and leadership which has helped position Rambert Grades as a trusted, progressive awarding body rooted in the professional dance world.
Amanda Britton, currently Principal, Artistic Director, and CEO of Rambert School will assume the role of Director Rambert Grades, strengthening the ties between Rambert School, Rambert company, and the Grades programme itself and deepening the joint venture between the two founding institutions. Amanda said of her move to the new role: “Rambert Grades represents a landmark moment in contemporary dance education — rooted in over 100 years of practice between the School and company, and reimagined for the next generation of artists. I look forward to continuing this important work and supporting the dedicated team already in place.”
Helen Shute, CEO of Rambert company, added: “Abigail’s contribution has been exceptional. She has guided Rambert Grades through a vital period of growth and transformation, laying a foundation that will benefit teachers, dancers and the wider sector for years to come. We’re grateful for her vision, energy and commitment — and excited to deepen the collaborative partnership between Rambert, Rambert School and Rambert Grades in this next chapter.”
Abigail departs having ensured that Rambert Grades is the only contemporary dance syllabus, developed and delivered by a professional dance company in the world - with qualifications spanning Creative Movers to Grade 8, the programme continues to set a new standard for quality, access and creative education in dance.
