Australian Dance Theatre has announced it has received the largest single bequest in its 60-year history.

Professor Ruth Rentschler OAM has committed a generous $500,000 bequest to ADT on completing her eight-year tenure on the company’s board. Appointed as the Chair of the Board in 2022, Rentschler currently works as a professor at University of South Australia’s business school alongside being an advocate for arts organisations across the state and the country.

Australian Dance Theater’s Nick Hays, Ruth Rentschler and Daniel Riley. Photo supplied

Under Rentschler, ADT has undergone a significant period of evolution, with the appointment of current Artistic Director Daniel Riley, which saw the company transform its repertoire and strategic priorities, placing emphasis on care, collective creativity, and the creation of work that seeks to spark social change.

“Serving on the board of Australian Dance Theatre has been an honour,” says Rentschler, “and something I’ve been proud to do. The company is important to Australia’s dance ecology, and I’m thrilled to have played a part in its success.

“I thank my fellow board members, the company’s community of artists, audiences, donors...