Our History

We’ve been proud residents of Birmingham since 1990 – but we can trace our history back to 1931, London and Dame Ninette de Valois, our legendary founder. Here’s how we got from there to here.

1931
Ninette de Valois establishes the Vic-Wells Ballet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, so called because it performs at both Sadler’s Wells and the Old Vic Theatre.

1940
Sadler’s Wells is bombed during the war, leading the company to tour widely throughout the country – and to change its name to the Sadler’s Wells Ballet after losing its link with the Old Vic.

1946
The company is invited to become resident at the newly reopened Royal Opera House. Soon after, de Valois establishes a new company at Sadler’s Wells called Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet.

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, and is based instead with its sister company at the Royal Opera House.

1956
The companies, along with their joint school, are granted a Royal Charter – with Sadler’s Wells Ballet becoming The Royal Ballet and Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet becoming the Touring Company of The Royal Ballet.

1976
The Touring Company (later known as the Royal Ballet New Group and then The Royal Ballet on Tour) returns to base itself at Sadler’s Wells, but continues 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 relocate to Birmingham.

1990
Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet moves to Birmingham, changing its name to Birmingham Royal Ballet.

1995
Sir Peter Wright retires and becomes Director Laureate. David Bintley is appointed BRB’s new Artistic Director.

2010
Sir David Bintley’s new production of Cinderella is broadcast as the BBC’s Christmas ballet.

2015
BRB’s refurbished Birmingham home officially opens for business after year-long building works, as the company celebrates 25 years in the city.

2018
Caroline Miller succeeds Jan Teo as Chief Executive.

2019
Sir David Bintley marks the end of his tenure as Director with performances of his acclaimed production of Hobson’s Choice.

2020
Carlos Acosta becomes BRB’s new Director.