The Birmingham Royal Ballet company is one of Britain's foremost ballet companies. It was formerly based at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London and had close links with the Royal Opera House.

A Short History of BRB

1931 Ninette de Valois founds a company at Sadler's Wells Theatre. It is known as the Vic-Wells Ballet as it performs both at Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Old Vic Theatre in London.

1940 Sadler's Wells Theatre is bombed during the war and consequently the company begins to tour widely throughout the country. At this point the name of the company is changed to the Sadler's Wells Ballet.

1946 The Company is invited to become the resident company of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. De Valois therefore decides to found a second company called Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet at Sadler's Wells Theatre.

1951 Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet undertakes a highly successful tour of the USA.

1955 Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet temporarily loses its link with Sadler's Wells Theatre and bases itself with its sister company at the Royal Opera House.

1956 A Royal Charter is bestowed on both Companies and their joint school. The Sadler's Wells Ballet becomes The Royal Ballet and Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet becomes the Touring Company of The Royal Ballet.

1970 The Touring Company returns to base itself at Sadler's Wells Theatre, while continuing to tour the country.

1977 The Touring Company changes its name to Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, with Peter Wright as Director.

1987 Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham City Council invites Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet to re-locate to Birmingham.

1990 Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet moves to a new home in Birmingham and changes its name to Birmingham Royal Ballet.

1995 Peter Wright retires. David Bintley becomes Artistic Director.

1997 Birmingham Royal Ballet becomes independent of the Royal Opera House.

External link

• Birmingham Royal Ballet website

See also

• Royal Ballet, London