When Did Ballet Rambert Become Rambert?

Ballet

Founded in 1926 by the Polish-born dancer Marie Rambert, Ballet Rambert was the first British ballet company. It was originally created as a platform for European dancers to showcase their art, and quickly established itself as one of the most important names in contemporary British ballet.

Rambert’s early productions featured pioneering choreography from some of Europe’s leading dance innovators, such as Bronisława Niżyńska and Marie-Jeanne Déméril. The company gained an international reputation for its creative and innovative performances, which were often at odds with the more traditional style of ballet that was prevalent in Britain at the time.

In the 1950s, Ballet Rambert began to diversify, introducing modern dance into its repertoire and forming relationships with renowned choreographers such as Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. This shift away from traditional ballet provided a platform for Rambert to explore new forms of movement and create works that pushed boundaries in contemporary dance.

In 1987, Ballet Rambert changed its name to ‘Rambert Dance Company’, signalling a new era for the organisation. This new identity reflected the company’s commitment to developing an eclectic mix of styles; it now encompassed contemporary ballet, modern dance, jazz and improvisation.

Since then, Rambert has gone on to become one of Britain’s most celebrated dance companies, producing critically acclaimed works that have been performed across the world. Its success is testament to Marie Rambert’s original vision: to create a space for creative exploration and experimentation within British ballet.

Conclusion: In 1987 Ballet Rambert changed its name to ‘Rambert Dance Company’ as part of its commitment to exploring an eclectic mix of styles beyond traditional ballet. Since then it has become one of Britain’s most celebrated dance companies, producing critically acclaimed works that have been seen all around the world.