Ballet's 'leading light' CEO dies after illness

Colleagues of Birmingham Royal Ballet's former chief executive Caroline Miller have paid tribute following her death, describing her as a "leading light" who displayed "unbridled enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty".

Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) said Ms Miller brought vision and energy after being appointed to the role in 2018.

She stepped down from the role on 5 December on health grounds, and said leading the company had been one of the greatest honours of her life.

Sir David Normington, the ballet's chairman, said the organisation was devastated by her death, adding "a force of nature, an inspiration and a dear friend" had been lost.

Ms Miller who worked as a press officer at Sadler's Wells theatre early in her career, had also served as a chief executive and director at other dance organisations, including Dance UK and Orlando Ballet in Florida.

In January 2017 she was awarded an OBE for services to the arts in the Queen's New Year's Honours.

Paying tribute to his friend and colleague, ballet director Carlos Acosta said Ms Miller "brought fantastic energy, sound advice, vision and good humour to everything she did".

He added: "Her unparalleled support contributed immeasurably to the many successes BRB has enjoyed internationally.

"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."