BBO appoints new leader

The British Ballet Organization (BBO), is "absolutely thrilled" to announce the appointment of Anita Young, MBE, as Artistic Director.

Young trained at the Royal Ballet School and was a dancer with the Royal Ballet from 1968 to 1981, performing in many significant ballets; she was in the original cast of Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, Mayerling and Elite Syncopations and danced alongside Rudolf Nureyev in George Balanchine’s Agon. She also performed in works of Sir Frederick Ashton, including creating her role in the Tales of Beatrix Potter film.

Upon leaving the RB, she became ballet mistress of Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, after which she taught for many prestigious vocational schools and colleges. She worked closely with Nic Espinosa, current Chair of BBO, for over 16 years, taught at West Street School in the UK alongside David Wall, Julia Farron and Maryon Lane, and spent two years teaching at Central School of Ballet in London. Anita found her way back to the Royal Ballet School and spent almost 20 years as Tutor and Senior Tutor, teaching at both White Lodge and the Upper School.

She progressed into a career in freelance teaching, coaching, choreography and dance education. She is a regular guest teacher for the European School of Ballet in Amsterdam. In 2023 alone, Young  taught in seven countries including New Zealand, South Korea and the United States. She even teaches ballet to football teams, spreading awareness of the benefits of the artform across various sectors.

 In 2019, Young was awarded an MBE for services to Classical Ballet and Dance Education.

BBO is proud that Anita Young has been connected to the organisation for many years. She has worked with BBO President Brenda Last, OBE, as well as John Field and Anne Heaton who took directorship of the BBO in the 1980s. Young has been a key faculty member for BBO, teaching the Senior Ballet Scholars Scheme for many years, as well as leading masterclasses and attending events.

Young says she “always enjoyed working with BBO teachers, they are very open and it’s lovely to be welcomed into this role. I am excited to collaborate with the entire BBO team on exciting projects and work towards the future together.”