This year marks the Centenary of Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, with celebrations taking place throughout the year that give opportunities for the School to honour its rich history and look forward to the future.
Founded by dance pioneer Marie Rambert in 1920, it is the UK’s oldest vocational dance school and still stands by its founding principles of innovation, creativity and individuality that is reflected in the School’s holistic approach to nurturing talent and developing the dance artists of tomorrow.
For a century Rambert School graduates have occupied places across the dance profession as leading choreographers and dancers in some of the world’s most renowned companies including Rambert, Akram Khan Company, BalletBoyz, Ballet Black, Hofesh Shechter Company, Mark Bruce Company, New Adventures, Nederlands Dance Theater, Phoenix Dance Theatre, and Russell Maliphant Company.
Amanda Britton, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School said: “At Rambert School, we cherish our history and tradition whilst embracing innovation within our training. Our Centenary gives us the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the creativity, artistry and passion of our students past and present. “
The Centenary programme begins with CELEBRATION, a specially curated performance at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre on 24 June. Dedicated to the School’s patrons and supporters, the evening will embody the adventure, imagination, and technical excellence that has characterised Rambert School for the last century.
CELEBRATION will feature pieces from some of the most influential choreographers from Frederick Ashton to Christopher Bruce, as well as rising stars in the dance world and our very own students. They will be performed by the School’s exceptionally talented students alongside alumni from the world’s leading dance companies.
Further performances by the School’s students include a second show at The Linbury Theatre on 25 June and additional performances at a major London theatre. More details to be announced shortly.
As part of its Centenary celebrations, Rambert School is proud to be working with a number of renowned names from the dance world who will help advocate for the School throughout its Centenary year and inspire current and future students. Centenary Ambassadors include Artistic Director of Rambert Benoit Swan Pouffer, Kerry Nicholls, Russell Maliphant, Wayne McGregor, Christopher Bruce, Matthew Bourne and Akram Khan.
Rambert School is committed to providing innovative and accessible dance training. In 2018 it launched Rambert2, a collaboration with Rambert that delivers a one year MA course in Professional Dance Performance. In July 2019, the School and Company launched Rambert Grades, a bespoke syllabus born from the School’s own training ethos that supports the growing interest, accessibility and professional opportunities in contemporary dance for young people on an international scale. Rambert School has also introduced a new Learning and Participation programme to help widen engagement in dance activity through community classes and projects with local schools and colleges. For more information see www.rambertschool.org.uk
To support the School’s ambition and growing student numbers it has recently launched a capital campaign that has seen the reconfiguration of its theatre studio space and will look to extend its existing premises in Twickenham to allow the School to continue its internationally renowned training programme. See www.rambertschool.org.uk fo
Full programme and casting for CELEBRATION and further performances this summer will be announced shortly.