The Royal Ballet

Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, the Company unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances at our Covent Garden home.

The Company’s extensive repertory embraces 19th-century classics, the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan and a compelling new canon by Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon.

The Royal Ballet is committed to enriching people’s lives through ballet.

Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet

Kevin O’Hare has been Director of The Royal Ballet since 2012.

Dancers of The Royal Ballet

Discover more about each of The Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers.

Koen Kessels, Music Director of The Royal Ballet

Conductor Koen Kessels has been Music Director of The Royal Ballet since 2015.

The Company Choreographers

Two choreographers have permanent positions with The Royal Ballet: Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon.

World Ballet Day concerto rehearsal.

Staff

Discover more about the support team behind the performances on stage.

Governors of the Royal Ballet Companies

The Governors are the custodians of the traditions established by Ninette de Valois with the founding of the School and Company in 1931.

The Royal Ballet’s History

Find out more about the Company’s founder Ninette de Valois and how she forged a British ballet tradition.

The Royal Ballet School

Founded in 1926 by Ninette de Valois, The Royal Ballet School is the official school of The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Patron

HM The King

President

The Lady Sarah Chatto

Music Director

Koen Kessels

Resident Choreographer

Sir Wayne McGregor CBE

Artistic Associate (Position generously supported by Kenneth and Susan Green)

Christopher Wheeldon OBE

Administrative Director

Heather Baxter

Rehearsal Director

Christopher Saunders

Healthcare Director

Shane Kelly

The Royal Ballet is one of the great ballet companies of the world. Under the leadership of Director Kevin O’Hare, grand balletic tradition and an illustrious heritage are united with innovation, daring and exceptional standards of artistry, creativity and stagecraft to produce supreme theatre. It is a beacon in the cultural life of Britain and a driving force behind the development of ballet as an artform. From the Company’s base at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, today’s most dynamic and versatile dancers come together with a world-class orchestra and leading choreographers, composers, conductors, designers and creative teams to share an awe-inspiring theatrical experience with diverse audiences worldwide. The Company’s commitment to enriching people’s lives through ballet is reflected in the deep relationships it forges through digital and learning platforms and international touring. The extensive repertory of The Royal Ballet follows a unique trajectory from 19th-century classics to the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan and the compelling new canon of work by Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon. Along with innovative commissions and choreographic initiatives across the main stage and Linbury Theatre and strong links with The Royal Ballet School, the Company continues to refresh and surprise.

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Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)