Why Knowing the World’s Top Ballet Companies Matters
Whether you are taking your child to their first performance, exploring where to watch ballet online, or simply curious about the broader world your young dancer is entering, understanding the major ballet companies provides an invaluable cultural context.
The Royal Ballet (London, United Kingdom)
Based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, the Royal Ballet is one of the two or three most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Founded in 1931 by Ninette de Valois, it has produced some of history’s greatest dancers, including Margot Fonteyn, Anthony Dowell, Darcey Bussell, and Carlos Acosta. The Royal Ballet uses the RAD-influenced classical style and maintains one of the most rigorous training pipelines in dance through the Royal Ballet School.
Watch online: The Royal Ballet releases archive performances and filmed productions through its YouTube channel and streaming partners.
Paris Opéra Ballet (France)
The oldest national ballet company in the world, founded in 1661 under Louis XIV. The Paris Opéra Ballet has its own distinctive style — refined, precise, and deeply French. Its school, the École de Danse, has trained some of ballet’s most influential dancers. The company is based at the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille.
American Ballet Theatre (New York, USA)
Founded in 1940, ABT is one of America’s premier classical companies, known for its diverse and international roster of dancers. Based in New York City, ABT performs at the Metropolitan Opera House each summer and tours extensively. Former stars include Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland.
Bolshoi Ballet (Moscow, Russia)
The Bolshoi is synonymous with grand scale — large casts, spectacular productions, and a bold, powerful style distinct from the more refined Western European aesthetic. Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi has maintained its reputation as one of the world’s greatest companies across political upheavals and eras. Globally famous for its Swan Lake and Spartacus.
The Australian Ballet (Melbourne and Sydney, Australia)
Australia’s national ballet company, founded in 1962 and based in Melbourne. The Australian Ballet tours nationally and internationally, and has a strong tradition of nurturing homegrown talent alongside international guest artists. It is one of the most respected companies in the Asia-Pacific region and regularly tours to major international venues.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet (Wellington, New Zealand)
New Zealand’s national ballet company, founded in 1953, is one of the oldest professional ballet companies in the Southern Hemisphere. It tours extensively across New Zealand and has a strong commitment to developing New Zealand talent. For families in New Zealand, this is likely to be the company your child’s teachers and syllabi are most connected to.
Other Notable Companies
- San Francisco Ballet (USA) — the oldest professional ballet company in the US (founded 1933)
- National Ballet of Canada (Toronto) — one of the most respected companies in North America
- Stuttgart Ballet (Germany) — known for full-length narrative ballets and John Cranko’s choreography
- Mariinsky Ballet (St Petersburg, Russia) — formerly the Kirov, birthplace of many of the great 19th-century classics
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Royal Ballet use the RAD syllabus?
The Royal Ballet and the RAD are separate organisations, though both are UK-based and their approaches share common roots. The Royal Ballet School uses its own training programme, while the RAD provides a graded syllabus used by registered teachers around the world.
Can I watch these companies from home?
Yes. The Royal Ballet, ABT, the Australian Ballet, and the Bolshoi all offer filmed productions through streaming platforms including their own websites, YouTube, and on-demand services such as Marquee TV and OperaVision.
Which company should my child aspire to?
The right professional company depends on a child’s nationality, training background, and the style that suits their physique and temperament. At junior and primary level, the goal is simply to enjoy dancing — professional ambitions, if they emerge, are best assessed in the teenage years.