Introducing The Gillian Lynne Award for Choreographic Innovation
In honour of renowned dancer, director and choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne’s trailblazing choreographic work and on what would have been her 100th birthday, today we are thrilled to announce the introduction of The Gillian Lynne Award for Choreographic Innovation – an award for students who push the boundaries of ballet and show a fearless approach to choreography, whilst respecting its history, as Dame Gillian (pictured left) did so beautifully.
Our Artistic Director Iain Mackay will identify a selection of student-choreographed pieces from our three Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme events throughout the year to be awarded winners of The Gillian Lynne Award for Choreographic Innovation, which will go on to be performed at the Next Generation Festival at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre this June.
This award is generously sponsored by the Lynne and Land Foundation, which encourages and supports aspiring young and talented performers in the arts.
Peter Land from the Lynne and Land Foundation said of this exciting initiative:
‘Dame Gillian Lynne’s worldwide work on shows like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, cast often with talented Royal Ballet School alumni, successfully nurtured artistic futures. Her choreography was often exacting but it proved that nothing is ever achieved by the ordinary. Her belief therefore in the training learnt at The Royal Ballet School matched those thoughts and echoed her words that: Energy Breeds Energy. From this training, magic can happen for performers and more importantly for the audience. Training is the bedrock of the performing arts which is why the Lynne and Land Foundation believes that through work, great artistic achievement can take shape and blossom.’
Mr Mackay reflected on his experience working with Gillian Lynne and the significance of this new award:
‘Working with Gillian Lynne in the studio was one of the most enriching experiences of my career. Her creative practice and passion for ballet, dance, and theatre pushed us as classically trained dancers to reach a deeper level of artistry, challenging boundaries and expanding what we thought possible in dance. Her legacy reminds us of the importance of allowing the next generation of Royal Ballet School students to find their own voice – to break through barriers, honour the traditions we cherish, and shape the future of ballet and dance in exciting, daring ways. We must continue to nurture and create space for brave, fearless dance-makers in the spirit of Gillie, whose work always made audiences feel something truly special.’
Pictured above: Gillian Lynne as the Black Queen in Checkmate in 1950, photographed by Roger Wood
Named after our School’s founder, Dame Ninette de Valois, the Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme comprises three distinct choreographic events across each academic year:
- Kenneth MacMillan Emerging Choreographer for White Lodge Years 10 and 11 – Thursday 11 December 2025
- Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer for White Lodge Years 7, 8 and 9 – Thursday 26 March 2026
- The Frederick Ashton Emerging Choreographer for Upper School 2nd Year – Thursday 7 May 2026
Over a period of weeks, students are offered guidance from mentors on developing a choreographic piece, including studio research and improvisation. They experience working as a professional choreographer, considering and inputting into all the elements that make a production successful, including staging, props, lighting and costume design. Students choreograph on their peers and coach their casts, before presenting their pieces to an audience and panel of guest artists offering feedback.
Produced by the Royal Ballet and Opera, the Next Generation Festival brings together young dancers from a selection of junior companies and dance schools from the UK, across Europe and around the world to celebrate national and international talent, and the vibrant future of our art form.
With two dedicated performances for the School, the Next Generation Festival forms part of our annual and highly anticipated Summer Performance season in the lead up to our programmes at Opera Holland Park and the Royal Opera House main stage.
Held at the Linbury Theatre, the Festival offers an important opportunity for students in Year 7 to 2nd Year to showcase their technique and artistry on a professional stage.
To celebrate our centenary, this year’s programme will highlight the School’s 100-year heritage as a centre for new choreographic work.
Expect to see the recipients of the Gillian Lynne Award present pieces created and performed by students, alongside new works by choreographers who have shaped the art form in the 21st century, including Christopher Wheeldon, Cathy Marston, David Bintley and Jessica Lang, created especially for our students.
Our Next Generation Festival performances will be held in the Linbury Theatre on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June 2026. Tickets go on sale on Thursday 5 March. Find out more here.
