Emma Gladstone obituary

Dancer and artistic director of the Dance Umbrella festival known for being an innovative force in the industry

Emma Gladstone, who has died of cancer aged 63, was a woman of impeccable taste. As artistic director and chief executive of the London festival Dance Umbrella from 2013 to 2021, she showed an unerring talent for spotting innovative, often experimental artists who could deeply connect with audiences.

Some were at the early stages of their careers and would go on to make a huge impact on the dance world, including the Northern Irish choreographer Oona Doherty and Ivan Michael Blackstock, who won an Olivier award in 2023.