José Carayol

Head of Artistic Programmes and Production

 

José Carayol trained at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Madrid on a National Scholarship under the mentorship of Carmen Roche, Victor Ullate and Orlando Salgado.  He went on to dance professionally with several companies around the world in leading roles, including Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Don Jose in Carmen and Prince Florimund in Sleeping Beauty.  He has performed in national and international tours dancing a versatile repertoire by numerous prominent choreographers and artists, among them Alicia Alonso, Marta Garcia, Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, John Neumeier, Roland Petit, Mats Ek and George Balanchine.

Towards the end of his dancing career, Mr Carayol turned his focus to teaching and went on to complete American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum teachers’ course in New York. Upon his graduation, he became an associate teacher of the ABT® Project Plié programme, which aimed to support diversity and inclusion around the United States of America, while spreading his passion for the art of classical ballet to the youngest generations. He was a teacher and Head of the Conservatory Program and men’s programme at Los Angeles Ballet Academy. During his time there, he was instrumental in developing the men’s programme further while creating a nurturing environment for students in a professional track in Southern California. In 2017, he became Ballet Master and Assistant Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Ballet Academy Youth Ballet.

José Carayol has taught internationally at many different schools and has been a regular judge for international competitions, including the Youth America Grand Prix. Being a passionate advocate of dance education, he has continued his pedagogical and teaching practices further by regularly attending seminars and teaching courses at The Royal Ballet School.

In 2019, upon invitation by Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, he was appointed Head of Studio Company and Trainee Program at The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. He worked closely with the artistic team to elevate the standards of excellence and equality, as well as create a competent curriculum that would help young dancers close the gap between school and company life.

Mr Carayol joined The Royal Ballet School as the Artistic Manager of the Foundation Programme in 2021. He was appointed Head of Artistic Programmes and Production in 2023.