The Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet School, and Birmingham Royal Ballet are joining forces for A Centenary Celebration, a historic autumn showcase honoring 100 years of The Royal Ballet School. Running from 8 to 10 October 2026 at the Royal Opera House, the special centenary programme celebrates the legacy, history, and future of the institution that established the foundation for British ballet training.
Founded by Ninette de Valois in 1926, the School has spent a century producing generations of elite graduates who populate the ranks of both world-class companies. The milestone event brings together students and company dancers to perform a mix of heritage repertoire, contemporary masterworks, and three world premieres by prominent alumni.
The performance opens with a suite from Ninette de Valois’ Checkmate, performed by students alongside leading Royal Ballet dancers. The combined companies will also present Frederick Ashton’s classic Birthday Offering, as well as Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor’s Nimbus. Additional programme highlights include excerpts from Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon and Winter Dreams, David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café, and scenes from Swan Lake.
Three brand-new creations headline the celebration. Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon choreographs a new work for Lauren Cuthbertson and Lukas B. Brændsrød, while Cathy Marston creates a duet for Matthew Ball and William Bracewell inspired by her piece Against the Tide. Concluding the event, Valentino Zucchetti’s new creation brings together dancers from both companies alongside students across every year group at the School for a grand finale.
Artistic directors Kevin O’Hare (The Royal Ballet), Carlos Acosta (Birmingham Royal Ballet), and Iain Mackay (The Royal Ballet School)—all former alumni—praised the milestone as a deep honor, reflecting on de Valois’ founding vision to respect the past while investing in the future of the art form.
Tickets for A Centenary Celebration start from £9 and are available now via the official Royal Opera House website.
