The School launches 2026 centenary campaign with limited-edition calendar and Summer Performance repertoire
We are thrilled to reveal The Royal Ballet School’s centenary campaign as we prepare to celebrate 100 years in 2026.
In 1926, founder Dame Ninette de Valois created a foundation that would transform British ballet for years to come. A century later, The Royal Ballet School continues to honour its founding vision while embracing innovation and inclusivity.
With a legacy built on excellence, and a future focused on expanding opportunity and access, The Royal Ballet School remains at the forefront of shaping the next century of classical ballet.
This is where it starts.
About the campaign
To mark this milestone, our year-long celebration of ballet, heritage and community will give audiences of all ages a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain into the everyday world of The Royal Ballet School, through the eyes of our students.
Confirmed highlights of the year include a series of panel discussions exploring the past, present and future of the School, the return of our Let’s Dance public open day, insight days at select Associate centres around the UK, a three-part curated exhibition at the Royal Opera House featuring archival costumes and photographs, a special centenary edition of the annual Summer Performance season, and more.
Iain Mackay, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, said of this occasion:
‘I am thrilled to see our centenary campaign come to life as we celebrate 100 years of this incredible institution. Our centenary year is a momentous moment for the School as a world leader in the education, training and holistic development of talented dancers. I look forward to celebrating our heritage and sharing the transformative power of ballet with new and existing audiences at our many events throughout 2026.’
2026 centenary calendar
To kick off the campaign, we are excited to release a limited-edition 2026 centenary calendar, featuring a selection of never-before-seen images by London-based photographer Robbie Lawrence.
Following his work at the Paris Olympics for TIME, Lawrence was commissioned by the School to capture student life, from the studio to the stage and everything in between, in the lead up to the centenary year.
Complete with historical milestones, fun facts and key centenary dates, the calendar is the first product in an exclusive centenary merchandise range and a unique keepsake for ballet fans and collectors alike.
Summer Performance repertoire announced
The 2026 Summer Performances will form a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations. Curated by Artistic Director Iain Mackay, this year’s repertoire will embrace a more classical focus than in previous years, reflecting the School’s proud heritage and its deep connection to the foundations of British ballet, alongside works by alumni choreographers who have shaped the art form in the 21st century.
Across nine performances over three weeks, audiences can expect an inspiring showcase of the next generation of dancers performing works that pay homage to the School’s distinguished past and its ongoing influence on the evolution of ballet.
Adding further poignancy to the centenary year, 2026 will also mark the 100th birthday of Sir Peter Wright, one of Britain’s most influential ballet figures. The School will honour Sir Peter’s remarkable contribution to ballet with the staging of his Swan Lake Act III.
The programme will also feature works by Cathy Marston, Christopher Wheeldon, David Bintley, Jessica Lang, Andrew McNicol, Kristen McNally, and our founder Dame Ninette de Valois, with further works to be announced.
The Royal Opera House matinée performance will conclude with the traditional Grand Défilé, bringing together all students to celebrate a century of excellence in ballet education.
Be a part of our centenary year
As a registered charity, the School’s centenary presents a landmark opportunity for patrons and supporters to be a part of securing the future of the School for generations to come, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence in ballet training. Discover ways to support the School here, including corporate partnerships and gifts in wills.
We also invite the public to become a centenary Member to be among the first to hear about centenary celebrations, including access to special events, behind-the-scenes insights, and commemorative merchandise marking this extraordinary year.
