Birmingham Royal Ballet Britain 
and Royal Ballet Sinfonia

2 - 25 Jan 2009

NCPA (Beijing), Shanghai Grand Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House

Repertoire: Sleeping Beauty, Beauty & Beast

Patron Her Majesty the Queen
President HRH The Prince of Wales
Vice-President The Lady Sarah Chatto

Founded by Dame Ninette de Valois OM, CH, DBE
Founder Choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton OM, CH, CBE
Founder Music Director Constant Lambert
Prima Ballerina Assoluta Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE
Director Laureate Sir Peter Wright CBE
Music Director Laureate Barry Wordsworth

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.