Emma Gladstone, dancer and former artistic director of Dance Umbrella, dies aged 63

The Akram Khan Company said the death of the dancer, who shaped the art form as a programmer, was ‘an immense loss for the dance community’

Emma Gladstone, an accomplished dancer who hugely shaped the art form as a programmer and as artistic director of Dance Umbrella festival, has died aged 63.

A statement from the London festival, released on Wednesday, said that Gladstone had died on Monday after a short illness. “Internationally celebrated for her exquisite taste and incisive acumen, Emma was a joyful collaborator who was loved by artists, colleagues and audiences alike,” said the statement. “Her infectious laugh, delicious wit and kindness made her a cherished friend and mentor to more people than we can count; and her dedicated encouragement, care and companionship made her an extraordinary mother, stepmother and wife.”