Alistair Spalding, the artistic director of Sadler’s Wells, has been awarded with an honorary doctorate by Middlesex University in recognition of his contribution to the UK’s creative industries.
Under Spalding’s direction, Sadler’s Wells has become the UK’s leading dance house. It has also moved into production, with many shows now commissioned and produced at the venue. Spalding was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in this year’s Birthday Honours, for services to dance.
Spalding (pictured) said: “It is a great honour to be offered this honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University. I am particularly happy to accept it from an institution that has done so much to ensure that practising artists are thoroughly involved in the day to day life of the university. I am particularly delighted that a person from the dance industry has been chosen to be honoured in this way.”
He received his honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the university’s Hendon campus in north London on July 20, in front of an audience of graduating performing arts students.
Picture: Alistair Spalding. Photograph courtesy of Middlesex University
