Birmingham Royal Ballet launches ‘international search’ for director

Birmingham Royal Ballet has launched its search for a new director ahead of David Bintley’s departure next summer.

Bintley will have served for 24 years when he leaves in July 2019.

The board of Birmingham Royal Ballet has now launched an “international search” for a replacement.

“This is an important moment in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s development,” said chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Sir David Normington. “We are looking for someone who will build on David Bintley’s wonderful legacy, but also bring us new ideas and fresh artistic direction.

“We are very ambitious for the future and are, therefore, deliberately conducting the widest possible international search and drawing on the advice of some of the industry’s leading figures. Only the best will do for this great company.”

Sir David will chair a panel that is leading on the recruitment process, although the final decision will be made by the board of Birmingham Royal Ballet. The panel includes the chief executive of Sadler’s Wells, Alistair Spalding, and two former BRB principal dancers, Monica Zamora and Kevin O’Hare.

BRB plans to confirm an appointment by the end of this year.