Rambert Dance Company

Rambert began in London at the start of the 20th century as a classical ballet school founded by Marie Rambert, who trained with the Ballets Russes in Paris. The school became the Ballet Club in 1930 at the Mercury Theatre in Notting Hill, the first classical ballet company in Britain. Over the decades it toured widely as the Ballet Rambert, introducing new styles and dancers to British audiences. In the 1960s it shifted entirely to contemporary dance and in 1987 took the name Rambert Dance Company. Today it remains the United Kingdom’s oldest dance company, based in London. The company’s influence comes from its early links with figures like Alicia Markova and Antony Tudor, who later shaped the Royal Ballet. Frederick Ashton, Agnes de Mille and Antony Tudor all made early appearances with Rambert before becoming leading choreographers worldwide. Under directors such as Christopher Bruce and Mark Baldwin it continued to nurture new talent and innovative works. The current artistic director, Benoit Swan Pouffer, leads a company recognised for blending artistic depth with popular appeal. Rambert is supported as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England. Visitors to Rambert’s studios in London find a working company rather than a museum. Rehearsals and performances take place in studios designed for contemporary dance, where audiences can watch new works in development. The building also houses the Rambert School, offering professional training in ballet and contemporary styles. Nearby Notting Hill retains the Mercury Theatre’s legacy, once the company’s home. The area’s dance history is visible in its studios and stages, where Rambert’s influence still shapes British dance culture.