Rodrigues reappointed Chair as The Royal Ballet School heads towards second century

The Royal Ballet School is delighted to announce that our Chairman, Christopher Rodrigues CBE, will extend his tenure until 2026.

Christopher took up the post of Chairman in January 2020, succeeding The Duchess of Wellington OBE.

The Chairman said: ‘I am honoured to continue to lead the board of this truly remarkable organisation as we head towards our centenary in 2026. In the three years since I was appointed Chairman, I have been continually moved by the commitment and diligence of our staff and the dedication and passion of our supporters and partners as we faced unprecedented challenges. Above all, I have been inspired by the determination and talent of our exceptional students, who have consistently met each new obstacle with equanimity and good humour. In the last three years, we have reinforced the School’s position at the heart of everything we do, as recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s recent Excellent rating for Educational Quality. This is flanked by our ground-breaking work in recreational dance teaching and professional development. And, our digital transformation has enabled us to reach new global audiences. My priority now is to secure the future of the School artistically and financially as we head towards our centenary in 2026.’

Christopher Rodrigues has enjoyed a long and successful international career in business and has also acted as Chair of major UK institutions including the British Council, the Almeida Theatre and Visit Britain. In 2007 he was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to British business interests and charitable works in the UK and USA. As the son of two former Royal Ballet dancers, the late Julia Farron and Alfred Rodrigues, he has a deeply held passion for the arts and a great admiration for ballet dancers and choreographers, which has only been strengthened during the three years he has held the position of Chairman.