Royal Ballet School Artistic Director and CEO Christopher Powney has informed the Governors of The Royal Ballet School that he will leave his role in July, when his second five-year term in the position comes to an end.
“It has been my honour and pleasure to return to The Royal Ballet School as its Artistic Director for the last 10 years,” Powney said. “It has been incredible, and I feel so fortunate to have worked with so many talented young dancers who have gone on to enjoy exceptional careers. They have consistently inspired me. Additionally, I have been privileged to work alongside a team of immensely dedicated colleagues. I wish to thank them for sharing my curiosity and drive, leading us to collectively elevate and progress our training culture.”
He continued, “However, I believe now is the right time for me to hand over to someone who will build on what has been achieved during my tenure and bring in fresh ideas to ensure the School remains at the forefront of international ballet training. I want to wish The Royal Ballet School, its Governors, staff and students every success for its exciting future.”
During his 10 years at The Royal Ballet School, Powney has overseen the introduction of more than 40 initiatives designed to enhance the School’s student experience. These range from the world leading Healthy Dancer programme to greater mental health support for students, significantly expanding the teaching and intensive course programmes, broadening access and developing key partnerships with the global dance community.
Powney’s steadfast leadership throughout the COVID-19 years and subsequent lockdowns was instrumental in navigating the School through one of the most profound and unprecedented challenging periods in its history.
Chair of Governors, Christopher Rodrigues CBE, said, “Christopher has done an extraordinary job over the last 10 years. We thank him for his immense input, his experience and wisdom. There is no doubt that he has helped secure The Royal Ballet School’s place on the world stage and has been at the forefront of driving innovation and transforming the student experience, which has changed beyond recognition in the last decade.”
The Governors will now consider the next steps in terms of finding a successor to Powney.
