Celebrating International Choreographers’ Day
At The Royal Ballet School, the art of choreography has always been integral to our mission. From the very beginning, we have strived to not only cultivate exceptional dancers but also to foster the creative voices of those who will go on to shape the future of dance. As we celebrate International Choreographers’ Day, we honor the visionary work of choreographers worldwide—many of whom began their journeys at the School.
The Royal Ballet School’s deep-rooted tradition of nurturing choreographic talent is exemplified in the Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme, which honors the legacy of Dame Ninette de Valois, the founder of both the School and The Royal Ballet. Through this programme, we continue to empower young dancers to explore their creative potential and develop their own choreographic voices, a process that plays a pivotal role in the training of every student.
The Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme
The Royal Ballet School’s choreographic training dates to the early 20th century when Dame Ninette de Valois founded The Academy of Choreographic Art. A visionary choreographer herself, Dame Ninette recognised the importance of integrating choreography into a dancer’s training, ensuring that students would develop both technical mastery and creative expression. Today, the Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme continues its work, nurturing the next generation of choreographers and providing them with the tools they need to create their own distinctive artistic voices.
The Programme is open to students from Year 7 at White Lodge through to 2nd Year at Upper School. Every year, students are given the opportunity to create original choreographic works, collaborating with peers and receiving feedback from industry mentors. These works are showcased in a variety of events, including the Summer Performances at Opera Holland Park and at the prestigious Royal Opera House.
From students to choreographers
Graduates of The Royal Ballet School have left an indelible mark on the global dance landscape. From Kenneth MacMillan’s transformative storytelling to Jiří Kylián’s groundbreaking contemporary creations, the School’s alumni have expanded the possibilities of choreography. Today, names like Christopher Wheeldon and Cathy Marston continue to push boundaries, inspiring the next generation of dance-makers.
On this International Choreographers’ Day, we celebrate not only the incredible contributions of our alumni but also the future of choreography. The Royal Ballet School remains committed to nurturing the next generation of choreographers who will continue to innovate, inspire, and shape the future of dance. We are proud to carry forward the legacy of Dame Ninette de Valois, empowering young artists to make their mark on the world.
