Ballet for all: dancing in Birmingham

Image © Tristam Kenton

Birmingham Royal Ballet is a true powerhouse in classic ballet and contemporary dance. Based in Birmingham, the Midlands, UK, the company performs everything from classic romantic ballets to new works of dance inspired by the world today. It’s a vibrant hub for creative collaboration and provides high-profile opportunities for choreographers, designers, and composers to create their own works.

Birmingham Royal Ballet puts artistic innovation at the heart of its performances, attracting new audiences, allowing staff to develop their skills, and encouraging partnerships with new creative talent. By bringing new voices to ballet, the company seeks to ignite a passion for ballet among future generations.

Since its inception in 1931, the company’s ethos has been that ballet is for everyone. To this end, the company has taken its performances from wartime factories to community halls and schools. In autumn 2024, Birmingham Royal Ballet will present Luna, a new two-act ballet inspired by the women of Birmingham who have changed the world. With a female-led creative team, including five incredible choreographers, the show will explore universal themes such as the role of matriarchs in society, community, female empowerment, and education.

Birmingham Royal Ballet has also recently launched a new initiative, called BRB2. This  junior company brings together young talent from around the world for a two-year training programme to develop their skills and professions. Through this training, Birmingham Royal Ballet seeks to shape the next generation of ballet talent. The first cohort will graduate in summer 2024.

Oak Foundation has supported the work of Birmingham Royal Ballet since 2015 through our Special Interest Programme, which reflects the diverse interests and passions of the Trustees in topics such as medical research, education, environment, humanitarian relief, mental health, the arts, and much more. You can read more about the history of the company here. And read our Special Interest Programme strategy paper, here.