Ruan Crighton

We were devastated and shattered to hear Ruan was on the Yeti Flight that tragically crashed in Nepal 2023, where he was working during his physiotherapy studies. Ruan studied ballet at Central School of Dance, Brentwood from the age of 10, initially to enhance his gymnastic training. However, his love of ballet grew and he dedicated himself to his dance training adding Modern Theatre Dance to his schedule and achieving outstanding examination results. He successfully auditioned for Central School of Ballet at 16 where he continued his vocational training. Graduating in 2008 he joined the Slovak National Ballet where he lived and performed for 4 years becoming a soloist in the company. 2013 Ruan moved to the prestigious Finnish National Ballet in Helsinki. Having turned 30 Ruan decided on a change of career enrolling at the European School of Physiotherapy. Ruan remained in contact, supporting Central, often giving his time to attend and perform at our annual Prize Giving. We have wonderful fond memories of Ruan in class, assisting and inspiring younger pupils, performing and working backstage in our school productions. Central followed Ruan’s career which grew from strength to strength and we are so totally proud and feel privileged to have known Ruan, to watch him grow into the most wonderful, caring young man. Thank you Ruan for the catchups and laughter over tea they will always be remembered.