Choreographer, director, and artistic innovator Wayne McGregor was officially knighted by His Majesty, King Charles III in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today, 1 April 2025.
The ceremony marked the presentation of his insignia, a symbol of knighthood, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the arts, particularly in the field of contemporary dance and choreography.
“I am very honoured to be offered a knighthood and grateful to all of the incredible people who have nurtured me for over 33 years in the art form I love – dance,” said Sir Wayne. “Building a career in the arts, creative thinkers make a vital and significant contribution to public life and to the nation’s economy whilst experimenting, risk-taking and challenging convention. Recognising that the arts matter, this honour reminds us that every young person given access to culture and creative expression has the opportunity to fly.”
The honour is one of the highest accolades in the UK and celebrates Sir Wayne McGregor’s transformative and pioneering impact on the cultural landscape. He attended the ceremony with his partner, Antoine Vereecken, and his parents, Ella and Lawrence McGregor.
Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, said, “Wayne has transformed the dance landscape in his 18 years as Resident Choreographer at The Royal Ballet and all of us are proud to call him a collaborator and colleague. His unrivalled curiosity has led him to create masterpieces that have been celebrated the world over and his collaborative dialogue with artistic, scientific, and technological disciplines puts him at the vanguard of contemporary arts.”
McGregor is Artistic Director of Studio Wayne McGregor, a creative nexus that pushes the frontiers of physical intelligence through dance, design, and technology. His work is rooted in dance, yet encompasses a variety of genres including technology, visual art, film, fashion, opera, and education. Company Wayne McGregor, his own highly skilled, touring company of dancers, was founded in 1993. Company Wayne McGregor is Resident Company at Sadler’s Wells, London.
Since 2006, McGregor has been Resident Choreographer at the Royal Ballet, the first choreographer from a contemporary dance background to be invited into the role. In 2021 he was appointed the Director of Dance for La Biennale di Venezia where he continues to programme the world-renowned festival that champions the very best of contemporary dance
Graham Spicer, aka ‘Gramilano’, is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.
Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.
He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.