What Is the World’s Oldest Ballet Company?

Ballet

The world’s oldest ballet company is the Royal Swedish Ballet (Kungliga Svenska Balletten). Founded in 1773, it is the oldest ballet company still active today.

The Royal Swedish Ballet arose from a private dance school established by Louis XIV, who was a great admirer of French court dances. After his death, the school passed on to his son-in-law, King Adolf Frederick of Sweden, who transformed it into a professional ballet company in 1773.

The Royal Swedish Ballet has produced several renowned choreographers and dancers since its inception. It was one of the first companies to introduce classical ballets such as Giselle, La Sylphide and Napoli. Moreover, it was during this period that Russian choreographer Marius Petipa had his first success with ballets such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker.

Today, the Royal Swedish Ballet continues to perform around the world and remains an influential institution in the world of classical ballet. Its repertoire includes both traditional works such as those mentioned above as well as contemporary works created by some of today’s leading choreographers. It has also produced some of ballet’s most iconic stars including Erik Bruhn, Sir Frederick Ashton and Lynn Seymour.

Conclusion: The Royal Swedish Ballet is indisputably the world’s oldest ballet company. It has flourished since its inception in 1773 and continues to be an important part of the international classical dance scene today. The company has created some of ballet’s most iconic works and performers over its more than two centuries of existence and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come.