[Photo of Dame Ninette (1949) Gordon Anthony]

Founding President and Patron:

Founder (1946):

Dame Ninette de Valois OM CH DBE

Stanley Hawkins

Sir Peter Wright, Patron of the London Ballet Circle

Photocredit Richard Farley

Patron: Sir Peter Wright CBE

Sir Peter Wright is one of the most eminent and respected ‘names’ in ballet. He made his debut as a dancer during World War II, created his first work for Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet in 1957 and, as a teacher and ballet master in John Cranko’s new Stuttgart company, also choreographed several ballets there. Having been Director of Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet since 1977, he went on to spearhead that company’s successful transformation into Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) in the early 1990s. Sir Peter’s productions of the classics, notably The Nutcracker and Giselle, now feature in repertoires around the world. The many awards and honorary positions conferred on Sir Peter, including Founding Director Laureate of BRB and a Vice-President of the Royal Academy of Dance, bear witness to his outstanding achievements over more than 70 years. He published his autobiography in 2016.The LBC is very privileged to enjoy Sir Peter’s continuing interest as its Patron.

Dame Monica Mason, President of the London Ballet Circle

Photocredit Johan Persson

President: Dame Monica Mason DBE OBE

Dame Monica Mason is a luminary of the ballet world. Born in Johannesburg, she trained at The Royal Ballet School, joined the Company in 1958 and was promoted to Principal in 1968. She excelled in both classical and dramatic roles, notably ones created on her by Sir Kenneth Macmillan, to whom she became Répétiteur in 1980. She held a number of key artistic posts within The Royal Ballet before being appointed Director in 2002, a position she held with distinction for 10 years. Since then, she has remained very actively involved within the dance community – for example, continuing to stage her acclaimed 2006 production of Sleeping Beauty, coaching dancers in leading roles for which she herself was renowned, and acting as Chair of the Dance Professionals Fund. The London Ballet Circle is extremely fortunate to have Dame Monica’s very active support in its work.

Vice Presidents:

Dame Merle Park DBE

Sir David Bintley CBE

Wayne Eagling

Darius James OBE

David Nixon OBE

Kevin O'Hare CBE

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE

Carlos Acosta CBE

Tamara Rojo CBE

Aaron S. Watkin


Honorary Members:

Ronald Hynd, David Gayle MBE, Professor Birgit Keil,  Anya Linden (Lady Sainsbury) CBE, Marguerite Porter MBE, Marion Tait CBE, Doreen Wells (Lady Londonderry), Barry Wordsworth


Current Committee

The 2022/23 Committee of Trustees comprises:

Susan Dalgetty Ezra - Chair [[email protected]]

Keith White  - Treasurer [[email protected]]

Krissie Poyser - Secretary [[email protected] and [email protected]]

Sylvia Villa - Membership Secretary [[email protected]]

Fiona Erleigh [[email protected]]

Ben Ettridge [[email protected]]

Candace Kuss [[email protected]]

Sue Lynas [[email protected]]

Alastair Thomson

Abby Lilly 

Offers of assistance are always very welcome. Members who are helping fulfil certain roles do not need to serve as a Trustee. Please see our opportunities page.

The London Ballet Circle is registered in England and Wales under charity number 1123258 © 2021 The London Ballet Circle. All rights reserved unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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