Jean-Louis Fernandez
FAROOQ CHAUDHRY is dance centre The Place’s newest patron.
Chaudhry danced professionally and internationally in the 80s and 90s, before retiring in 1999 to begin work as a producer. He co-founded the Akram Khan Company in 2000, where he continues to hold the post of producing director, and was the creative producer at the English National Ballet from 2013-2017.
In 2014, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from De Montfort University for his services to dance and received an OBE for his services to dance and dance production in 2019.
As a Patron at The Place, Chaudhry plans to focus on collaborations across the global community, utilising strong connections he has built with organisations in East Asia.
The Place says his work in creating cross-cultural connections through dance aligns with its core organistional messages, including envisioning a world with more dance.
“The Place has a tremendous legacy and is going through a phase of exciting reinvention that I find inspiring and visionary,” Chaudry said.
“I look forward to getting to know staff and students and bedding myself into this brilliant organisation which played a huge role in giving me a sense of a purpose and a North Star.”