Empower the Next Generation of Dance Artists
Your donation helps us respond directly to student needs and grow vital Student Support Services at London Contemporary Dance School. Together, we’re building a future where students not only thrive, but graduate equipped with the passion, resilience, and tools to shape meaningful, lifelong careers in dance.
Thank you for being part of their journey.
A message from the Founders, Anthony Van Laast and Pernille Charrington
Many years ago, Pernille and I decided to establish a scholarship fund in memory of my mother, Peggy Hawkins. As alumni of LCDS, our vision was to nurture and support the next generation of dancers, ensuring the vibrant future of contemporary dance worldwide. At the time, we had no idea that this initiative would grow to become such a significant force within The Place.
We know that my mum, Peggy, would have been thrilled to see the incredible impact that her legacy has had on the students of LCDS and on dance. She had a passion for teaching and supporting dancers on their journeys, and through the ever-evolving Peggy Hawkins Fund, we are reaching more number of students every year.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous and continued support from you, our amazing donors. Your contribution allows us to continue this crucial work.
With warmest wishes,
Anthony Van Laast and Pernille Charrington
Why Your Donation Matters
The Peggy Hawkins Fund is a cornerstone of our Student Support Services, helping us meet the evolving needs of the dance artists of tomorrow by providing vital funding. We want our students to thrive, not just survive.
Your support helps us prepare them for long, meaningful careers, in dance and beyond.
Help Us Do More
As the demands on students grow, so too does the importance of responsive, holistic support. Your donation allows us to be agile, compassionate, and forward-thinking, ensuring no student is left behind.
To all our supporters past, present and future: thank you. You are helping build a future where our students graduate with the tools, passion and resilience they need to build fulfilling, life-long and meaningful careers in the creative arts industry.
About the Peggy Hawkins Fund
About our Founders, Anthony Van Laast and Pernille Charrington
Anthony Van Laast CBE is a patron of The Place.
Anthony trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance, later joining the resident London Contemporary Dance Theatre company as both performer and choreographer. As a choreographer, he has received international acclaim. In 2018, Anthony was awarded the CBE for services to dance and choreography and in 2019 he became an Honorary Doctor of the Arts.
Theatre credits include: Tina The Musical – worldwide (Outer Circle Critics Award, Tony Award nomination); Mamma Mia! – worldwide (Dora Mavor Moore Award, Helpman Award nomination); Sister Act – worldwide (Olivier Award nomination).
Film work includes: Beauty and the Beast; Mamma Mia! Here we Go Again; Mamma Mia!;Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1; Never Say Never Again; Excalibur; Hope and Glory.
Pernille Charrington graduated from LCDS in 1980 as one of the youngest students to ever take up a place at the school. After graduating, Pernille joined English Dance Theatre Company, travelling to New York and Canada. However, Pernille’s passion has always been to nurture the next generation of dancers and to ensure that everyone has access to dance. She has worked extensively with children with special needs, the elderly, Dance for Brain Health and people living with Parkinsons. In 1989, Pernille along with Peggy Hawkins formed the School of Creative Dance, to introduce children to dance and gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies as well as appreciation of rhythm and space. Pernille set up the fund alongside Peggy’s son, Anthony Van Laast in 2012 to honour Peggy’s commitment to the teaching of dance and dancers.
About Peggy Hawkins
The Peggy Hawkins Fund was created by Anthony Van Laast CBE and Pernille Charrington, in memory of Peggy Hawkins, whose life was dedicated to teaching dance and choreography. Peggy was Anthony’s mother, and Pernille’s devoted friend and colleague.
An ex-Ballet Rambert dancer, Peggy Hawkins was a follower of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze’s Eurhythmics method, which combines learning and experiencing music through improvised movement. Peggy lived and worked in many locations all over the world and taught dance and choreography.
She received the Dalcroze Specialist Certificate in Eurhythmics once back in London, and continued to teach and choreograph well into her eighties in her own school, founded with Pernille Charrington. An accomplished pianist, Peggy also played for classes at London Contemporary Dance School in her spare time.
We are honoured that Anthony and Pernille chose to memorialise Peggy by empowering the next generation of dance artists.
