Ballet Cymru is an international touring ballet company based in Newport, Wales. The company produces original dance performances that tour nationally and internationally. It became a Revenue client of The Arts Council of Wales in 2011 and is registered as a charity. The company states a commitment to inclusion and innovation in dance and classical ballet, as well as high standards of collaboration.
Darius James OBE serves as Founder and Artistic Director. He trained at The Royal Ballet School and received an OBE in 2019 for Services to Ballet and Community Dance. Amy Doughty holds the position of Artistic Director for Engagement and Training and oversees the company’s dance education programmes. The company employs ten dancers and works with three Associate Artists.
Ballet Cymru operates an Access and Outreach programme focused on breaking down barriers to accessing the arts. It offers a Pre-Professional Programme called Ballet Cymru 2 for aspiring young dancers, an Associate programme with Junior, Mid, and Senior strands, and inclusive ballet classes. The company also runs Duets, a national programme providing dance training for young people in areas of need. Productions have included Sleeping Beauty, and the company has received multiple Theatre Critics of Wales Awards for Best Dance Production.
