#London #United Kingdom #Royal Ballet School #Graduation 2025 #Darcey Bussell

Royal Ballet School Honors Achievements in 2025 Graduation Ceremony

On July 31, 2025, the Royal Ballet School reached a significant milestone during its graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of its 2025 graduating class. A total of 24 Pre-professional students were recognized for securing contracts with prestigious ballet companies around the globe, reflecting the School's reputation as a leading institution in classical ballet education.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Linden Studio Theatre located in Covent Garden, where friends, family, and faculty gathered to acknowledge the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the students. Artistic Director Iain Mackay led the ceremony, marking his first graduating cohort since taking the helm of the School.

Inspiring keynote speaker Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, a former Royal Ballet Principal and esteemed alumna of the School, addressed the graduates, underscoring the unique role that artists play in a world increasingly dominated by digital media. She urged them to focus on the essence of dance—emotion and storytelling—rather than merely showcasing flashy moves or social media accolades. Bussell’s words reminded the graduates that their journey as artists had just begun.

Impressive Employment Outcomes

The Class of 2025 attained incredible employment success, with six graduates joining The Royal Ballet's Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme, and one securing a position with Birmingham Royal Ballet/BRB2. Other notable placements included prestigious international companies such as American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, The Australian Ballet, Boston Ballet II, Leipzig Ballet Junior Company, and the National Ballet of Canada RBC Apprentice Programme.

Highlight placements featured outstanding students such as Aurora Chinchilla Matteo Curley-Bynoe and Ptolemy Gidney joining the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, alongside others making their marks in prominent ballet companies around the world.

Academic Excellence Reached

In addition to their artistic achievements, the graduates demonstrated exceptional academic performance, with 100% earning distinction on their Foundation Degree in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance. David Gajadharsingh, the Academic and Pastoral Principal, announced that one dissertation received the highest mark recorded in the School's history, marking a notable achievement.

Recognition of Outstanding Contributions

Several prestigious awards were presented to recognize the exceptional efforts of the graduates. The London Ballet Circle Dame Ninette Awards were awarded to the outstanding graduates Aurora Chinchilla and Ptolemy Gidney. Additionally, the new Dame Monica Mason Award honored the most improved students, while the Ashton Award recognized those who embody the choreography style of Frederick Ashton. Other awards acknowledged extraordinary leadership and dissertation excellence, showcasing the diverse talents within the graduating class.

A Performance to Remember

The culmination of the ceremony was a final performance at the Royal Opera House, where the graduates showcased their mastery of both classical and contemporary repertoires. This captivating program highlighted pieces such as Marius Petipa's "Aurora's Wedding" and Frederick Ashton’s "Les Patineurs," alongside contemporary works. The performance concluded with the traditional Grand Défilé featuring the entire student body.

Dance critics were left in awe, with reviews praising the show's quality as among the best seen in recent years. Natasha Kaplinsky, Chair of the Royal Ballet School, lauded the graduates for their significant contributions to the institution and their readiness to embark on professional careers.

Representatives of the graduating cohort, including LilySophia Dashwood and Axel Mero, conveyed heartfelt gratitude towards faculty, healthcare teams, and families for their ongoing support throughout their journey.

About the Royal Ballet School

Founded in 1926 by Dame Ninette de Valois, the Royal Ballet School is recognized globally as a premier institution for classical ballet training. The School offers education at two locations: White Lodge in Richmond Park for younger students aged 11-16, and the Upper School in Covent Garden for those aged 16-19. Approximately 88% of students receive financial assistance to ensure that access to the School is based solely on artistic talent and potential, rather than economic circumstances.

With an eight-year structured program that integrates rigorous dance training with a comprehensive academic curriculum, graduates regularly join The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other renowned international companies. Notable alumni include legendary figures such as Dame Margot Fonteyn and Sir Kenneth MacMillan.

As the Royal Ballet School continues to foster the next generation of ballet stars, the Class of 2025 stands as a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in the art of dance.