THE ballet world will come together next month to celebrate the legacy of Leeds teacher Ann Maguire, who was murdered last year.
Daughter Emma will lead the tributes in the first Ann Maguire Gala, which will see music and dance stars take to the stage at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, on Sunday, March 22.
A soloist of the Royal Ballet since 2011, she will honour her mother with a performance on the night, in support of the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund.
Speaking ahead of next month’s gala event, Emma said: “My mother was an inspirational teacher for generations of young people in Leeds. As a family we felt that setting up a charity that continues her dedication to helping young people is what she would have wanted.
“We are eternally grateful to all the artists that have come together to make the inaugural Ann Maguire Gala possible, an event which not only launches a new charity but will honour our mother.”
Last April 15-year-old student Will Cornick stabbed Ann Maguire in the back and neck in her classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College, as she leant over to help another pupil.
The community in Leeds were shocked by the murder of the respected and well-liked 61-year-old who was nearing retirement, after teaching at the same school for 40 years.
The Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund was set up by the Maguire family in the wake of the tragedy, and proceeds from the gala will go towards supporting the development of young people through arts education.
Former Royal Ballet star and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell will host the event alongside former principal with the Royal Ballet, Jonathan Cope.
There will be an array of performances on the night, including: world premieres from choreographers Alastair Marriott and Jonathan Watkins, Steven McRae, a principal of the Royal Ballet will showcase the London premiere of his tap solo Czardas and Emma Maguire will dance Johan Kobborg’s Les Lutins.
