Matz Skoog (1957-2026)

Hugely respected and fondly regarded, Matz spent 17 years with English National Ballet, first as a dancer from 1979-1991 and then as Artistic Director between 2001 and 2005.

Born in Stockholm, Matz trained in Sweden and Russia before graduating and joining the Royal Swedish Ballet.

In 1979, he joined English National Ballet (then called London Festival Ballet) as a Soloist, under Dame Beryl Grey’s directorship. “I turned up on the first day and it was like I knew I had come home”, he remembered years later, “it was a tough, hard-working ballet company, but I loved it.”

His talent was noticed early on. A 1980 review of Nutcracker in Financial Times reads: “the performance also brought my first sight of a new recruit to the company from Sweden, Matz Skoog. A young dancer of clear, good classical technique; pleasing ballon and elevation; he made an excellent impression as nasty little Fritz. Mr. Skoog sailed blithely through his one solo, the jig, and acted his unappealing role without declining into coarseness or too many madcap japes: even on this showing he is a valuable acquisition”.

He performed many roles with the Company as Principal and Guest Artist – including Albrecht in Giselle, James in La Sylphide, Romeo and Mercutio in Nureyev’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Benvolio in Ashton’s Romeo and Juliet, Franz in Coppelia, Anubis in Tetley’s Sphinx and the Moon in Bruce’s Cruel Garden. He created the role of the Interrogator in Bruce’s iconic work, Swansong, which he performed all over the world.

Watch a clip of Swansong, starring Koen Onzia, Kevin Richmond and Matz Skoog, and an interview on the making of the piece with its choreographer, Christopher Bruce here.

In an impressive career, Matz also danced with Royal Swedish Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater (in 1982-83) and Rambert Dance Company, working with some the most celebrated choreographers of the time, and becoming known for dancing “with a light, classical silkiness” (NY Times, 1989).

After leaving English National Ballet, he worked internationally as a freelance dancer and producer. In 1996, he became Artistic Director of Royal New Zealand Ballet, where he is credited with revitalising the company by securing essential funding and bringing the work of acclaimed international choreographers to the stage.

Five years later, in 2001, he returned to the UK as our Artistic Director. His vision was to expand English National Ballet’s repertoire by introducing more contemporary ballets, alongside the classics. This included commissioning Wayne McGregor’s first work for a classical ballet company 2 Human, Michael Corder’s Melody on the Move, Cathy Marston’s Facing Viv and Christopher Hampson’s Double Concerto. He also cherished the classics, introducing Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s immaculate production of The Sleeping Beauty to the repertoire – a ballet we continue to perform today.

He was nominated for the 2002 Theatre Management Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, and on behalf of English National Ballet, the 2003 Critics’ Circle Award for Most Imaginative Repertoire.

His career continued in and outside ballet, with a particular interest in leadership, coaching, and supporting dancers post-career. He also shared his considerable experience with a new generation as a guest teacher with companies and schools around the world, including at English National Ballet School, and as juror of the Prix de Lausanne (2007) and the BBC Young Dancer competition (2017).

Reflecting on his time with us (for our 70th Anniversary in 2020), Skoog said “I am proud of my association with English National Ballet. It was such a big part of my life, not just on my dancing career. I met my wife through the Company, most of my great friendships. It’s part of your life.”

Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director, commented:  

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Matz Skoog. His leadership was thoughtful and humane, always rooted in a deep respect for artists and for the artform itself. His artistry and commitment to the company left an enduring mark. He will be remembered with great respect and affection.” 

Matz will be greatly missed and our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this extremely difficult time.