Edward Watson MBE

Edward Watson, a globally celebrated dancer and former Principal of The Royal Ballet, was appointed to The Royal Ballet School’s Board of Governors in April 2024.

Edward started his ballet training with The Royal Ballet School as a Junior Associate before attending both White Lodge and Upper School. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1994, was promoted to Principal in 2005, and appointed Répétiteur in 2020.

Edward became a Guest Répétiteur in 2024, working with The Royal Ballet and other leading dance companies worldwide. His repertory includes major works by Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan, and he has created roles in works by Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, Alexei Ratmansky, Kim Brandstrup, Siobhan Davies, Alastair Marriott, Cathy Marston, David Dawson, Arthur Pita, Javier De Frutos and Ashley Page, among others.

He has received numerous awards, including an Olivier Award in 2012 for his performance in The Metamorphosis and Critics’ Circle Dance Awards in 2001, 2008, and 2022. In 2015, he was awarded a Benois de la Danse for his performance in The Winter’s Tale and an MBE for services to dance.