In a significant move that marks a new chapter in its history, The Royal Ballet School appointed Patrick Harrison as its first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic decision comes as the institution approaches its centenary in 2026, signaling a commitment to continued growth and innovation in classical ballet training.
Harrison, who joins The Royal Ballet School from his previous role as Executive Director at English National Ballet, brings a wealth of experience in arts management and strategic development. His impressive career includes successful tenures at Cambridge Arts Theatre and the National Theatre, where he played a pivotal role in major projects and commercial operations.
Creating a dedicated CEO position at The Royal Ballet School represents a departure from its traditional leadership structure. Since 2022, Christopher Powney has skillfully combined the roles of Artistic Director and CEO. Powney’s tenure saw the implementation of over 40 initiatives to enhance the student experience, including introducing the Healthy Dancer Programme and improving mental health support.
The decision to separate the Artistic Director and CEO roles aligns with The Royal Ballet School’s ambitious vision for the future. This new structure will allow for more focused leadership in artistic and administrative domains. Iain Mackay has been appointed as the new Artistic Director, working with Harrison to guide the School’s creative and operational trajectories.
Christopher Rodrigues CBE, who served as interim CEO during the transition, emphasized the significance of this restructuring, noting that it comes at a crucial juncture in the School’s history. Due to medical reasons, Rodrigues has stepped down from his position as Chair of Governors, with Anna Birkett assuming the role of Interim Chair until a permanent replacement is found.
Birkett expressed enthusiasm about Harrison’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience and passion for the arts as critical factors in his selection. She emphasized the importance of his role in steering The Royal Ballet School towards its centenary and establishing a sustainable foundation for its future, both artistically and financially.
For his part, Harrison conveyed his excitement about joining the Royal Ballet School at such a pivotal moment. He acknowledged the institution’s status as a world leader in dance education. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Board of Governors and the School’s dedicated staff to realize its vision for the future.
The Royal Ballet School’s legacy of excellence in classical ballet training dates back to its founding by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1926. Over the decades, it has produced legendary performers and choreographers, including luminaries such as Margot Fonteyn, Kenneth MacMillan, and Darcey Bussell. Today, its alums continue to make significant impacts in the ballet world, with current stars like Matthew Ball, Lauren Cuthbertson, and Francesca Hayward inspiring a new generation of dancers.
Central to The Royal Ballet School’s mission is its commitment to accessibility and nurturing talent regardless of background. On average, 88% of students receive financial support to train full-time, ensuring that potential is the primary criterion for admission. This approach has allowed the School to maintain its position as a global leader in dance education while fostering diversity and inclusivity in ballet.
Beyond its full-time training program, the Royal Ballet School extends its influence through comprehensive teacher training initiatives and outreach programs. These efforts promote the benefits of dance and broaden access to classical ballet education, reinforcing the School’s role as a standard-bearer for the future of dance.
As the Royal Ballet School embarks on this new phase under Harrison’s leadership, it stands poised to build upon its rich heritage while embracing innovation and adaptation. The appointment of a dedicated CEO, coupled with the ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, positions the School to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century dance world with renewed vigor and vision.
With its centenary on the horizon, The Royal Ballet School continues to evolve, ensuring it remains at the forefront of classical ballet training and education for generations to come. This leadership transition’s blend of tradition and forward-thinking promises an exciting future for one of the world’s most prestigious dance institutions.
