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100 years
100 years of The Royal Ballet School
In 2026, The Royal Ballet School celebrates 100 years of nurturing the next generation. 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.
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100 stories - Princess Margaret
Today, we share the story of Princess Margaret, President of The Royal Ballet School from 1956-2002.
100 stories - Karen Paisey
Today, we share the story of alum Karen Paisey, former Principal of The Royal Ballet, who is closing a chapter on a remarkable 35 years of teaching with The Royal Ballet School’s Associate Programme.
100 stories: Christopher Saunders
Today, we share the story of alum, Rehearsal Director and Principal Character Artist of The Royal Ballet Christopher Saunders.
100 stories: Barbara Fewster
Today, we share the story of alum Barbara Fewster, former Ballet Principal and Associate Director of the School.
The evolution of The Royal Ballet School crest
The crest is one of the most recognisable symbols of The Royal Ballet School, but what does it really represent? In honour of our centenary, we are reflecting on the evolution of the School’s Coat of Arms over the past decades.
100 stories: Nandita Shankardass
Today, we share the story of alum, dance artist, choreographer, teacher, multidisciplinary facilitator and the Founder of Welcome Movement® Nandita Shankardass.
100 stories: Jonathan Watkins
Today, we share the story of alum, Jonathan Watkins, choreographer and director.
Centenary publication
An eye-catching publication showcasing the evolution of The Royal Ballet School over the last 100 years, featuring 60 pages of exclusive interviews, photos and timelines.
Introducing Strength and Grace: Portraits of The Royal Ballet School
We are thrilled to announce the release of a landmark coffee-table book, featuring portraits of more than 60 of the School’s influential alumni, photographed by Rick Guest and Olivia Pomp, and interviewed by Sarah Crompton.
100 stories: Dame Beryl Grey
Today, we share the story of Dame Beryl Grey, former Principal with Sadler’s Wells Ballet (now The Royal Ballet) and former Artistic Director of London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet).
Centenary clothing launch
Celebrate 100 years of The Royal Ballet School in style with our limited-edition centenary clothing collection, featuring photographs by acclaimed photographer Robbie Lawrence and our exclusive centenary branding. Whether your style is bright and playful or more minimalistic, this range has options for all so you can show your support for the School with pride.
100 stories: Davi Ramos
Today, we share the story of David Ramos, Senior Artist with Australian Ballet.
100 stories: Rex Wheeler
Today, we share the story of dancer, choreographer and drag queen Rex Wheeler/Lady Camden.
100 stories: Iain Mackay
Today, we share the story of Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, Iain Mackay.
100 stories: Rishan Benjamin
Today, we share the story of alum and Scottish Ballet First Artist, Rishan Benjamin.
100 stories: Thomas Forster MBE
Today, we share the story of alum and Principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Thomas Forster MBE.
Past, present, future: the School announce a series of insight events to open centenary year
We are excited to kick off our public centenary celebrations with three insight days exploring the past, present and future of the School.
100 stories: Dame Monica Mason
Today, we share the story of alum Dame Monica Mason, former Principal dancer, Répétiteur and Director of The Royal Ballet.
100 stories: Dame Ninette de Valois
Our story begins with Dame Ninette de Valois, Founder of The Royal Ballet School, The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
2026 centenary calendar
Celebrate 100 years of the The Royal Ballet School with our limited-edition 2026 centenary wall calendar.