Rambert Dance Company Bid Farewell To Chiswick

Former friends of the company included Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn

Rambert staff and members gathered to mark the company's departure from Chiswick after forty years as they prepared to move to a new headquarters on London's South Bank (18 Nov). Actress Ingrid Bergman had officially opened the company in 1971 and donated a lucky Swedish troll to wish them well in their new home.

Ingrid Bergman pictured with Marie Rambert - Alan Cunliffe

The whole company assembled last week outside the building for a final photograph - a tradition that began 1926 when the very first dancers of the then 'Ballet Rambert' were pictured together. Audrey Hepburn also took classes with the company and trained with Marie Rambert, prior to the Company’s move to Chiswick. Cherie Lunghi also took classes as a child, her first one was when she was aged four. She remains an Ambassador for Rambert today.

Photo Chris Nash (c)

The dance company was founded by Polish woman Marie Rambert in 1926, after she moved to London in 1915 and married Ashley Dukes. They transformed a building in Notting Hill into their own theatre, the ' Mercury Theatre', believed to be a reference to her 'quicksilver' nature. Quicksilver was the title of her autobiography in 1972.

Marie Rambert (above) had a pioneering commitment to choreography and developing dancers as artists. She was heavily influenced by her work with Diaghilev, Stravinsky and the Ballet Russes. She stressed the value of collaboration between choreographer, composer and artist.

Artistic Director, Mark Baldwin (centre, in the large pic of the company) said: 'Rambert has really enjoyed being a part of the community in Chiswick but we have sadly now outgrown our premises, hence the need to build a new headquarters.  We are so grateful for the support we have received from local residents over the years and hope they will continue to follow our work.'

The building which has been the company's base will be converted by Picturehouse Cinemas - the UK's leading independent cinema group.

The Rambert company in the 1970s

The lucky Troll donated by Ingrid Bergman which the company still keeps

November 15, 2013