Birmingham Royal Ballet pays tribute to CEO Caroline Miller
Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced the passing of its chief executive officer, Caroline Miller, following a long illness.
Miller was one of the most influential figures in the UK and international dance world.
Sir David Normington, Chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at Birmingham Royal Ballet, in great sadness, as we announce the passing (after a long illness) of our Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Miller OBE. We are all totally devastated by her death and at a life cut-off in its prime. On a personal note, I have lost not just a CEO but a force of nature, an inspiration and a dear friend.”
Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous accolades, including the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2015 and an OBE in 2017 for her services to the arts.
Her career began in the arts sector as a press officer at Southbank Centre and Sadler’s Wells, before she became chief executive of Dance UK.
There, she was instrumental in the merger that created One Dance UK, an organisation dedicated to supporting the UK dance community.
In 2019, Miller led the relocation of One Dance UK to Birmingham, where she had already made an impact through her work with the arts.
Before taking on the role of CEO at Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2018, she served as executive director of Orlando Ballet in Florida.
Her tenure at BRB saw remarkable achievements, including the commissioning of new works during the pandemic, such as Lazuli Sky and Don Quixote.
She also led the company to a series of record-breaking performances, tours, and innovative productions, including Black Sabbath – The Ballet and a £1m refurbishment of The Nutcracker.
Carlos Acosta, BRB’s Director, said: “I am lost for words and utterly saddened at the passing of our dear CEO, valued colleague and friend, Caroline Miller, as is the entire Company and indeed beyond, throughout the dance industry. To say she was a leading light is an understatement – she brought fantastic energy, sound advice, vision and good humour to everything she did.
“I worked very closely with Caroline daily leading the BRB team and I will miss this hugely. Her unparalleled support contributed immeasurably to the many successes BRB has enjoyed internationally since I became Director in 2020: reaching record numbers of audiences, touring to countries entirely new to BRB, producing the hugely successful Black Sabbath – The Ballet and standing proudly on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, and so very much more.
“On behalf of all of us at BRB I give heartfelt thanks for her unbridled enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty. She will be remembered with much fondness by all.”
