Two iconic British institutions unite to celebrate the School’s 100-year legacy with a limited-edition dancewear collection that blends heritage craftsmanship with timeless ballet elegance.
Marking the School’s centenary, the collection has been designed in close collaboration and created exclusively for this milestone, reflecting a shared legacy rooted in tradition, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to supporting dancers at every stage of their training.
The limited-edition drop includes four unique styles of leotards, two styles of skirts, and two accessories in a royal and powder blue colour palette, with custom watercolour panels and The Royal Ballet School 100 years and Freed of London logo lock-up in gold.
Each piece embodies technical expertise and modern elegance, offering a unique range of dancewear that captures the spirit and global reputation for excellence that continue to define both brands today.
The collection draws inspiration from the iconic Bridge of Aspiration, the architectural link between The Royal Ballet School and the Royal Opera House. The leotard’s detailing reflects the bridge’s striking linear structure, with clean, sculpted lines symbolising the strength, discipline and technical precision of the School’s students. The contrasting printed mesh fabric creates soft, flowing lines and blended colours to capture the fluidity, artistry and expressive movement of dance.
The leotards and skirts also pay homage to a remarkable lineage of artists whose influence has shaped The Royal Ballet School’s century of excellence, including founder Dame Ninette de Valois; alum and former Director of The Royal Ballet, Dame Monica Mason; alum and former prima ballerina of The Royal Ballet, Dame Antoinette Sibley; alum and former Principal of The Royal Ballet, Dame Darcey Bussell; former Director of the School and de Valois’ close collaborator, Ursula Moreton; and the iconic alum and Prima Ballerina Assoluta of The Royal Ballet, Margot Fonteyn.
Designed using an innovative sustainable techno-fabric, the garments combine exceptional durability, softness, and breathability to create premium, studio-ready apparel that meet the needs of today’s dancers.
Each product is proudly made by hand in England at Freed of London’s Blaby, Leicestershire factory, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of British craftsmanship and The Royal Ballet School’s enduring influence on classical ballet.
Freed have proudly supported the School throughout its history, having supplied student uniforms and expertly fitted pointe shoes for decades. Now, for the first time, this exclusive collection extends this long-standing heritage beyond the School, allowing dancers around the world to experience and wear the same level of quality, performance and craftsmanship trusted by generations of Royal Ballet School students.
The collection is brought to life by current Royal Ballet School Associate and full-time students, with the campaign photography and videos shot in the School’s Covent Garden studios.
Freed of London Senior Manager, Retail and Ballet Company Sales, Sophie Simpson said of the partnership, “The entire process of developing The Royal Ballet School x Freed of London centenary dancewear collection has been completely joyous. Right from our initial conversation with The Royal Ballet School if was obvious that we had the same vision for how this collection should evolve. Freed of London has worked behind the scenes with The Royal Ballet School for many years, so it’s fantastic that we are now able to create such an exciting and beautiful range of dancewear to celebrate the School’s centenary.”
The Royal Ballet School’s Director of Audiences and Communications, Dorothy Greenfield, added, “It feels especially fitting to celebrate our centenary with Freed, who have supported our dancers throughout their training for many years through their exceptional craftsmanship. This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence, and we’re delighted to share these elegant, beautifully crafted pieces with young dancers, who can now feel part of the School’s 100-year heritage.”
The Royal Ballet School x Freed of London centenary collection launches Monday 30 March at 15.30 BST, and will be available to shop online at royalballetschool.org.uk/shop and store.freedoflondon.com
