The Royal Ballet School marked its centenary with a special programme celebrating a century of dance education and artistic achievement. Founded in 1926 by Irish dancer Ninette de Valois as the Academy of Choreographic Art, the institution has grown from its modest beginnings in South Kensington to become a world-renowned feeder school for the Royal Ballet.
Today, the school operates across two London campuses. Junior students board at White Lodge, a historic Georgian villa located in Richmond Park, while senior students train in Covent Garden, close to the Royal Opera House. The senior campus features extensive training facilities, including five studios, a gym, a Pilates studio, classrooms, and a 180-seat theatre. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts degree validated by Roehampton University.
The centenary celebration, titled A Centenary Celebration and curated by Royal Ballet director Kevin O’Hare, opened in October at the Royal Opera House. The programme brings together current students, alumni, and prominent figures from the ballet world, including former pupils Vadim Muntagirov, Francesca Hayward, Marcelino Sambé, and Marianela Nuñez. It features a mix of historic works closely associated with the school’s heritage, such as Ninette de Valois’ Checkmate and Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering, alongside new creations by graduates Christopher Wheeldon, Cathy Marston, and Valentino Zucchetti.
Iain Mackay, the school’s artistic director, emphasized the evolution of ballet technique and artistic expression over the years. He noted that today’s dancers demonstrate a level of technical accomplishment that surpasses even the standards of legendary figures like Margot Fonteyn, who famously acknowledged that her own technique was inferior to that of younger generations. Mackay stressed the school’s dual focus on developing both technical skill and dramatic artistry, highlighting ballet’s ongoing evolution.
Despite its prestige, the Royal Ballet School has faced scrutiny over student wellbeing and disciplinary practices. Former students have recounted experiences of harsh criticism and body shaming, concerns that reflect wider challenges in ballet’s demanding culture. In response, the school has put measures in place to address these issues, including vigilant support for mental health and eating disorders. Mackay has also adjusted training schedules to delay full-time boarding until students are 12 years old, aiming to support physical and emotional development.
The institution also promotes inclusivity within the traditionally gendered art form. Mackay pointed out that the school encourages male dancers to develop their individual strengths and expressed support for those pursuing pointe work, an area historically reserved for female dancers. The gender balance has shifted significantly, with male and female students now evenly represented in the senior school.
As the Royal Ballet School celebrates 100 years, its legacy stretches globally, having trained some of ballet’s most influential artists and creatives. The centenary programme serves both as a tribute to Ninette de Valois’ vision and as a showcase of the school’s ongoing role in shaping the future of ballet.