Based at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden, THE ROYAL BALLET, led by Director Kevin O'Hare, is Britain's largest ballet company. The Royal Ballet owes its existence to the vision of Dame Ninette de Valois, dancer, choreographer and entrepreneur, who assembled a small company and school, the Vic-Wells Ballet, and, in 1931 persuaded Lilian Baylis to provide it with a home at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in North London (the Company also performed at the Old Vic Theatre, hence its original name). They remained at Sadler's Wells Theatre until 1939 and spent the war years touring widely in Great Britain and, to a lesser extent, in Europe, performing for the Allied troops. Immediately afterwards, in February 1946, they transferred to the Royal Opera House. In 1956, to mark its 25th anniversary, the name The Royal Ballet was granted by Royal Charter. The Company has a wide-ranging repertory showcasing the great classical ballets, heritage works including those of Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan, as well as new works by the foremost choreographers of today. Access is a key issue for the Company and its work is seen not just at the Royal Opera House but via televised and cinematic performances, outdoor Big Screen performances, international touring and through the work of the Company's Education Department.
