Royal Ballet

Royal Ballet. The Royal Ballet is one of the world's leading ballet companies, based at the Royal Opera House in London. It was founded by Ninette de Valois and has been associated with renowned dancers such as Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The company has performed at various venues, including the Palace Theatre, Manchester, and has toured internationally to countries like Australia, Japan, and the United States.

History

The Royal Ballet has a rich history, dating back to 1931 when it was founded as the Vic-Wells Ballet by Ninette de Valois and Lilian Baylis. The company was later renamed the Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1941 and eventually became the Royal Ballet in 1957, following a performance at the Royal Opera House. The company has been influenced by the works of Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, and has collaborated with notable choreographers such as George Balanchine and Frederick Ashton. The Royal Ballet has also performed at various events, including the London Olympics and the Queen's Coronation.

Founders_and_Principal_Dancers

The Royal Ballet was founded by Ninette de Valois, a renowned Irish dancer and choreographer, who is often credited with establishing the company. Other notable founders include Lilian Baylis, who played a crucial role in the company's early development. Principal dancers have included Margot Fonteyn, who danced with the company for over 20 years, and Rudolf Nureyev, who joined the company in the 1960s. Other notable principal dancers include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, and Sylvie Guillem, who have all performed with the company. The Royal Ballet has also been associated with notable dancers such as Vaslav Nijinsky, Tamara Karsavina, and Maya Plisetskaya.

Repertoire

The Royal Ballet's repertoire includes a wide range of classical and contemporary works, including Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. The company has also performed works by notable choreographers such as William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor, and Akram Khan. The Royal Ballet has a strong association with the works of Frederick Ashton, who was the company's founder choreographer, and has performed many of his works, including Symphonic Variations and La Fille mal gardée. The company has also collaborated with other notable companies, such as the Bolshoi Ballet and the New York City Ballet.

Notable_Productions

The Royal Ballet has produced many notable productions over the years, including Manon, The Firebird, and Romeo and Juliet. The company has also performed at various festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival and the Salzburg Festival. Notable productions have included The Dream, choreographed by Frederick Ashton, and Jewels, choreographed by George Balanchine. The Royal Ballet has also performed works by notable composers, such as Sergei Prokofiev and Igor Stravinsky, and has collaborated with designers such as Barbara Hepworth and Henri Matisse.

Company_Structure

The Royal Ballet is a large company, with a diverse range of dancers, choreographers, and staff. The company is led by Kevin O'Hare, who has been the director since 2012. The Royal Ballet is also associated with the Royal Ballet School, which provides training for young dancers. The company has a strong outreach program, which includes work with schools and communities, and has collaborated with other organizations, such as the BBC and the British Council. The Royal Ballet has also been recognized for its excellence, receiving awards such as the Laurence Olivier Award and the Queen's Award for Enterprise. The company has also been associated with notable institutions, such as the University of Oxford and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Category:Ballet companies