World Ballet Day

Date shown for 2025 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of November 2024.

World Ballet Day History

World Ballet Day celebrates the beauty, skill, and dedication that define the art of ballet. This event showcases the talent and hard work of dancers, choreographers, and production teams, giving audiences a unique behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of this cultural tradition. Through live-streamed rehearsals, performances, and interviews, ballet companies from all over the world come together to share their passion with fans and newcomers alike, providing an opportunity to connect with the global ballet community.

The first World Ballet Day took place in 2014, initiated by five renowned international ballet companies: the Australian Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, The Royal Ballet (UK), The National Ballet of Canada, and San Francisco Ballet. For the people of the United Kingdom, this event holds special significance, as The Royal Ballet is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Established in 1931, The Royal Ballet has a rich history of nurturing talent and contributing to the global development of ballet as an art form. British ballet enthusiasts and professionals rejoice in World Ballet Day as a means to reinforce the importance of ballet within British culture and to promote engagement and dialogue within this vibrant artistic community.

In the United Kingdom, World Ballet Day is observed through various activities, such as live-streamed rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances from major ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet. Additional events include workshops and special classes at local ballet schools and dance studios, encouraging a broader audience to experience and engage with this exquisite art form. World Ballet Day typically occurs annually on the first Tuesday of October, with ballet enthusiasts across the UK eagerly anticipating and celebrating the unparalleled beauty of this revered cultural practice.

World Ballet Day Facts

• According to Apollo’s Angels, ballet was started in the 15th and 16th century in Italian renaissance courts.
• The first dance institution in the Western world was the Académie Royale de Danse. According to jstor.org, it was established in 1661 by King Louis XIV of France. The academy consisted of 13 dancing masters each selected by King Louis XIV himself.
• There are several different styles of ballet. According to Blackpool Grand, they are:
  1) Classical
  2) Neoclassical
  3) Contemporary
  4) Romantic
• Sir Frederick Ashton was a significant British choreographer, who made considerable contributions to the development of ballet in the United Kingdom. He was the founding choreographer of the Royal Ballet and created numerous iconic works that remain popular today, such as Cinderella, La Fille mal gardée, and Sylvia.
• Ballet gained significant support from the British Royal Family, including Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Ballet Day

World Ballet Day Top Things to Do

• Stay up to date with upcoming events.
• Learn more about the Royal Opera and how it has become renowned for its performances.
• Make themed cupcakes adorned with ballet-related decorations, such as fondant ballet slippers or tutus. Opt for classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet.
• The Royal Ballet in London will be streaming a full day of behind-the-scenes access, including rehearsals, classes, and interviews.
• The English National Ballet in London will be offering a range of online events, including dance classes and performances.