Dame Darcey Bussell DBE is made Artist Laureate of The Royal Ballet School

Former student Dame Darcey Bussell DBE has been awarded the honorary title of Artist Laureate of The Royal Ballet School in recognition of her continuous contribution to the School and to ballet.

The title has been created especially for Dame Darcey to celebrate her exceptional career and achievements as an alumna of the School.

She is not only a valued and active supporter of the School she inspires countless young dancers through her teaching and advocacy work.

Darcey Bussell said:

‘I am truly humbled to receive this honour. The Royal Ballet School is where it all started for me. As a student I felt incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to attend this exceptional school, so I devoted myself to my training. It is lovely to continue my involvement with the School and look forward to helping develop the next generation of young ballet dancers.’

Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, said:

‘We are incredibly proud of Dame Darcey as an alumna of the School and this honour of Artist Laureate is in gratitude for everything she has done and continues to do for us.

‘She remains a trusted adviser and passionate advocate for our work and a supporter of our mission to train and educate artists of the future.’