The Royal Ballet School

The Royal Ballet School is one of the world’s most celebrated centres for classical ballet training. It is the leading classical ballet school in the UK and an international institution, attracting dancers with exceptional potential from the UK and worldwide. Since its founding by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1926, the School has contributed immeasurably to our rich dance heritage, producing dancers and choreographers of international renown for generations. Former students include greats like Margot Fonteyn, Anya Linden, Kenneth MacMillan, Lynn Seymour, David Wall, Antoinette Sibley, Anthony Dowell, Marguerite Porter, Stephen Jefferies, Darcey Bussell and Jonathan Cope. Now there’s a new generation making its mark on the world stage – Matthew Ball, William Bracewell, Lauren Cuthbertson, Francesca Hayward, Steven McRae, Vadim Muntagirov, Marianela Nuñez, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Marcelino Sambé, and Christopher Wheeldon, to name a few. Admission to the School is based purely on talent and potential, regardless of academic ability or personal circumstances. Around 90% of students rely on financial support to attend the School. The School fosters academic and artistic excellence, holistically nurturing its extraordinary students and ensuring they are equipped to flourish within and beyond the world of classical ballet. Graduates go on to professional careers with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other leading UK and international companies. The School sets the standard for the future of classical ballet training with its extensive teacher training programmes. Its unique expertise empowers all teachers to deliver exceptional training, whether in the vocational or recreational sector. The School also works to raise awareness of the benefits of dance and create opportunities for people worldwide to experience and engage with classical ballet, with dedicated in-person and online programmes for dance students, primary school children and the general public.