Margaret Williams, a director renowned for integrating contemporary dance into mainstream British television, passed away at the age of 73 on April 14, 2024. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, she created groundbreaking dance films that featured innovative collaborations with choreographers and dance companies, such as Lea Anderson and Candoco. These works, notably "Cross Channel" (1992) and "Outside In" (1994), were celebrated for transforming the presentation of dance on screen by engaging directly with the cinematic medium rather than merely recording performances.
Williams's approach was distinguished by her artistic eye, often planning her films with meticulous storyboards influenced by her early career at Hanna-Barbera in Hollywood. Her style was described as witty and dynamic, capturing dance in ways that transcended traditional stage limitations while preserving its essence. Beyond dance films, Williams also directed documentaries, live cinema relays, and TV adaptations, including the opera "Powder Her Face" (1999).
Williams's career also included directing for notable UK channels like the BBC and Channel 4, creating series such as "Tights, Camera, Action" in the 90s and "4Dance" in the following decade. Her work not only brought dance to a broader audience but also supported the integration of diverse performers and styles into the mainstream media. Additionally, she was a mentor to young filmmakers and continued to influence the dance film industry even after her diagnosis with brain cancer in 2020.
Survived by her partner Stephanie Matthews and her brother Roy, Williams's contributions to film and dance remain influential. Her innovative vision and dedication to her craft have left a lasting impact on how dance is perceived and portrayed in media.