The Australia Council for the Arts mourns the passing of the acclaimed dance critic, educator and advocate Hilary Crampton.

Hilary Crampton, who died in Melbourne last Sunday after a long illness, aged 66, was a major contributor to Australian dance as a performer, teacher, educator, writer and advocate. She was a valued honorary life member of Ausdance and the recipient of an Australian Dance Award for Services to Dance in 2006.

“Hilary was a dedicated educator and advocate for dance in all its forms, whether ballet, contemporary or folkloric” said Kathy Keele, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia Council for the Arts. “Her enthusiasm was underpinned by her remarkable experience and skills across so many functions of the Australian dance sector, whether as critic, policy-maker, teacher, dancer or choreographer.”

“In all these roles she enriched our dance culture and made us think seriously about its worth. Hilary will be well remembered and much missed.”

“On behalf of the governing Council, the Dance Board and all staff of the Australia Council, I pass on our since sympathies to Hilaryís family and many friends and colleagues.”

Hilary Crampton’s funeral will be held next Tuesday, 15 September, at 10am at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church in Wright St, Middle Park, Victoria. All are welcome.

An Ausdance tribute to Hilary can be found at https://www.ausdance.org.au/tributes/Hilary_Crampton.html