Kenneth Tharp

Who is Kenneth Tharp?

Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp is a dance artist and Chief Executive of The Place.

Born in London to English and Nigerian parents, he trained at London Contemporary Dance School. His 25-year performing career included working with London Contemporary Dance Theatre and Arc Dance Company. He has worked extensively as a choreographer, teacher and director and as Lead Artist & Artistic Advisor for The Royal Ballet School’s Dance Partnership & Access Programme and Assistant to the Head of Contemporary Dance at Millennium Dance 2000. With composer Simon Redfern he co-founded Artyfartyarts, a multi-disciplinary arts group, and he is on the Board of Trustees at the Royal Opera House. In 2003, he was awarded an OBE for services to dance, and he undertook a NESTA-funded Fellowship on the Clore Leadership Programme in 2005/6. He was appointed Chief Executive of The Place in June 2007.