In Conversation with Iain Mackay (via Zoom)

Date: Monday 20th July, 7pm 🇬🇧 via Zoom

Whilst attending local ballet classes in Glasgow, Mackay began training with The Royal Ballet School as a Senior Associate before joining Upper School. Upon graduating, Mackay joined Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the direction of Sir David Bintley, where he rose rapidly through the ranks and was promoted to Principal in 2003. He danced with Corella Ballet Spain from 2007 to 2009 before returning to Birmingham Royal Ballet to dance until his retirement in 2017.

Throughout his career, Mackay performed leading roles in a vast range of company repertoire, from heritage classical to modern work. He worked with an extensive list of leading international choreographers, including David Bintley, Christopher Wheeldon, Kim Brandstrup, Angel Corella, Jessica Lang, Natalia Makarova, Nahid Siddiqui and Stanton Welch. He also performed as an international guest artist throughout his career. Alongside this, Mackay taught company class, led rehearsals and individually coached dancers for performance.

After retiring from performing, Mackay was Director of the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars, working to expand the charity’s work and steering them through COVID-19. He was appointed The Royal Ballet School’s International Artistic Manager in November 2021, responsible for all international courses and auditions, building partnerships and developing the School’s reach as a globally renowned centre of excellence. He served as a Governor of The Royal Ballet Companies from 2019 – 2021. 

He has also founded two initiatives demonstrating his commitment to widening access to dance for all: Open Door Dance, a pop-up dance company that performed at locations around Birmingham, and Imovers Dance Club, an inclusive community dance club for young people.

In 2024, Mackay was appointed Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School.

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This Zoom event is free to LBC members. Non-members are welcome to join by booking below.