Royal Ballet School Marks Exceptional Graduation Ceremony
The Royal Ballet School recently celebrated a significant milestone during its graduation ceremony, honoring the 24 Pre-professional students who have successfully secured contracts with esteemed ballet companies across the globe. This joyful event followed the graduates' final performance, which showcased their remarkable artistry and technical prowess.
A Memorable Venue for a Special Event
The graduation took place at the Linden Studio Theatre, where a gathering of family, friends, and faculty came together to recognize the commendable achievements of these budding ballet stars. The ambience filled with excitement and pride as Artistic Director Iain Mackay presided over his first graduating class since taking on leadership of the institution.
Inspirational Words from a Ballet Legend
Highlighting the event, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, a former principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and a distinguished alumna of the School, delivered an inspiring keynote address. She emphasized the vital role graduates play as artists in an ever-evolving digital landscape, reminding them that dance is about emotional connection and storytelling, not merely flashy performances for social media.
Outstanding Employment Achievements
The graduation class of 2025 has achieved impressive employment outcomes, with several students joining top-tier programs such as The Royal Ballet's Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme. Notably, one graduate secured a position with Birmingham Royal Ballet/BRB2. Other graduates are set to join prestigious international ballet companies, including the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, The Australian Ballet, Boston Ballet II, Leipzig Ballet Junior Company, and the National Ballet of Canada RBC Apprentice Programme.
A few standout placements include Aurora Chinchilla Matteo Curley-Bynoe and Ptolemy Gidney joining the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. Additionally, students like LilySophia Dashwood and Axel Mero will make their mark with The Australian Ballet and Bayerisches Staatsballet, respectively.
Academic Excellence Achieved
In addition to their performance success, this year's graduates achieved remarkable academic results, with all earning distinctions in their Foundation Degree in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance. Their hard work was celebrated by Academic and Pastoral Principal David Gajadharsingh, who highlighted one dissertation that received the highest mark in the history of the School.
Awards Celebrating Exceptional Talent
A series of prestigious awards were presented to honor exceptional achievements among the graduates. The London Ballet Circle Dame Ninette Awards recognized outstanding graduates, with Aurora Chinchilla and Ptolemy Gidney receiving accolades. The newly introduced Dame Monica Mason Award celebrated particularly improved students, awarded to Amos Child and Yuki Nagayasu. Additional awards included the Ashton Award for embodying the choreography style of Sir Frederick Ashton, presented to Shani Moran-Simmonds, among others.
Remarkable Performances Captivating Audiences
The graduates' final performance at the Royal Opera House was a testament to their hard work and dedication, exhibiting an impressive blend of classical and contemporary dance repertoire. The memorable program featured classics such as Marius Petipa's Aurora's Wedding and Frederick Ashton’s Les Patineurs, culminating in the traditional Grand Défilé, with participation from every student of the School.
Critical acclaim followed, with one dance critic noting it as the best performance witnessed in years, underlining the graduates' exceptional talent and preparation. This sentiment was echoed by Chair Natasha Kaplinsky, who praised the class for their contributions and readiness for their professional careers.
About The Royal Ballet School
Founded in 1926 by Dame Ninette de Valois, The Royal Ballet School has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading institutions for classical ballet training. The School operates from two scenic locations: White Lodge in Richmond Park for younger students and the Upper School in Covent Garden for older students.
Approximately 88% of its students receive financial assistance, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing opportunities based on artistic talent and potential rather than economic circumstances. The School runs a comprehensive eight-year program that skillfully intertwines rigorous dance training with substantial academic education.
The Royal Ballet School boasts a celebrated lineage of graduates, many of whom have joined prestigious companies such as The Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Notable alumni include dance legends like Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, and Dame Darcey Bussell, reflecting the enduring legacy of excellence cultivated within its walls.
Contact information for The Royal Ballet School is as follows: 46 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DA, UK, with a phone number of +44 (0)20 7836 8899.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the 2025 graduation ceremony?
The 2025 graduation ceremony was significant as it celebrated the achievements of 24 Pre-professional students, marking a pivotal moment in their ballet careers.
Who delivered the keynote address at the ceremony?
Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, a former principal dancer and alumna, delivered the keynote address, offering encouragement and insight to the graduates.
What were some employment outcomes for the graduates?
Graduates secured positions with renowned ballet companies, with notable placements at the American Ballet Theatre and The Australian Ballet.
How did the students perform academically?
All graduates achieved distinctions on their Foundation Degrees, demonstrating both artistic and academic excellence.
What awards were presented at the ceremony?
Awards such as the Dame Ninette Awards and the Dame Monica Mason Award were presented to celebrate outstanding accomplishments among students.
