Ivor Forbes Guest, English lawyer, historian, and author

Ivor Forbes Guest DUniv MA FRAD, born on April 14, 1920, and passing away on March 30, 2018, was a truly distinguished British historian and writer whose name became synonymous with the rigorous and insightful study of ballet. His profound dedication to documenting the rich, intricate history of this classical art form established him as one of its foremost chroniclers, contributing significantly to its preservation and understanding for future generations.

Guest's professional life was marked by extensive involvement with key institutions within the dance world and broader cultural spheres. He held the pivotal role of Chairman for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for an impressive twenty-three years, from 1970 to 1993. The RAD, one of the world's largest and most influential dance education and training organizations, undoubtedly benefited immensely from his leadership and vision. Following his tenure as Chairman, he continued to lend his expertise and prestige to the Academy, serving as a Vice-President from 1993 onwards, a testament to his enduring commitment to ballet.

Beyond his profound work with the RAD, Ivor Forbes Guest also contributed his talents to the Radcliffe Trust. This venerable philanthropic foundation, dedicated to supporting music and the arts, saw him serve first as its Secretary and subsequently as a Trustee, further broadening his impact on the cultural landscape.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to scholarship and the arts, the University of Surrey bestowed upon him its highest honorary doctorate, the Doctor of the University (DUniv), in 1997. This prestigious honor celebrated a lifetime of intellectual inquiry and profound influence.

On a personal and professional level, Guest was married to Ann Hutchinson Guest, a globally recognized expert in movement notation—a specialized field crucial for documenting and preserving dance. Their shared passion for the intricacies of dance led him to act as a dedicated trustee of the Language of Dance Centre, an organization founded by his wife. This Centre plays a vital role in promoting and teaching the art of movement notation, ensuring that the ephemeral beauty of dance can be accurately recorded and transmitted across time and cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ivor Forbes Guest

Who was Ivor Forbes Guest?
Ivor Forbes Guest (1920–2018) was a prominent British historian and writer, widely recognized for his authoritative and extensive studies on the history of ballet. He also held significant leadership roles in major dance and cultural organizations.
What was Ivor Forbes Guest best known for?
He was primarily celebrated for his comprehensive and meticulously researched historical accounts of ballet, bringing depth and context to the evolution of the art form.
What was his involvement with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)?
Ivor Forbes Guest served as the Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dance for twenty-three years (1970–1993) and then continued his dedication as a Vice-President from 1993 until his passing.
What was his connection to the Radcliffe Trust?
He held positions as both Secretary and later a Trustee of the Radcliffe Trust, a charitable foundation focused on supporting music and the arts.
Who was Ann Hutchinson Guest?
Ann Hutchinson Guest was Ivor Forbes Guest's wife and a highly respected expert in the field of movement notation, which is used to record and analyze dance and other forms of human movement.
What is the Language of Dance Centre?
The Language of Dance Centre is an organization founded by Ann Hutchinson Guest, dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of movement notation. Ivor Forbes Guest served as a trustee for this important institution.