The Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) and The Royal Ballet (TRB) are two of the most esteemed classical dance companies in the world. Both companies have an illustrious history and have achieved international acclaim for their performances. They are often confused as being one and the same, but there are some key differences between them.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet was founded in 1990, when the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet relocated to Birmingham. It is a permanent repertory company and has a large ensemble of dancers who create ballets that represent all types of classical ballet style. The repertoire includes narrative ballets, as well as abstract works featuring a wide range of musical scores, from classical to contemporary.
The Royal Ballet is based in London at the Royal Opera House and it is the largest ballet company in Great Britain. It was founded in 1931 by Dame Ninette de Valois and has since become one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Its repertoire consists mainly of full-length narrative ballets, with a focus on grand classical works such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère and Giselle.
While both companies have a long history of excellence in ballet performance, there are clear differences between them:
- Repertory: BRB has a more diverse range of styles than TRB;
- Location: BRB is located outside London whereas TRB is based at the Royal Opera House;
- Founder: BRB was founded by Sir Peter Wright while TRB was founded by Dame Ninette de Valois;
It is clear that while both companies share a common goal – to bring artistry and skill to life on stage – they do so through different means. BRB is renowned for its contemporary works while TRB focuses on grand classical ballets.
In conclusion, while both companies share similar roots, they are not one and the same – The Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet are two distinct entities with their own unique repertoires.