British ballet is marking a series of major milestones this year, including Rambert Dance Company becoming the first British ballet company to celebrate its centenary, and former Birmingham Royal Ballet artistic director Sir Peter Wright’s 100th birthday, celebrated with a special gala program in June.
The Royal Ballet School will also mark a century since its founding with a range of commemorative events and partnerships throughout 2026. For retailers, the most notable is the school’s collaboration with dancewear manufacturer Freed of London. Together, they’ve developed a limited-edition collection to honor the anniversary, which features four unique styles of leotards, two styles of skirts, and two accessories that can be worn separately or as a complete outfit.
Design Details
Launched on March 30, Freed and The Royal Ballet’s exclusive garments collection is available in a royal blue and powder blue palette, with details including custom watercolor panels and “The Royal Ballet School 100 Years” and Freed of London logos in gold. The design was inspired by the iconic Bridge of Aspiration, an enclosed walkway that connects the Royal Ballet Upper School with the Royal Opera House.
“The leotard’s detailing reflects the bridge’s striking linear structure, with clean, sculpted lines symbolising the strength, discipline and technical precision of the School’s students,” Freed of London’s designer for the project wrote in a press release. Additionally, “the contrasting printed mesh fabric creates soft, flowing lines and blended colours to capture the fluidity, artistry and expressive movement of dance.”
In terms of fabrication, the collection is made from an innovative sustainable techno-fabric that offers a balance of muscular compression and comfort, as well as “durability, softness, and breathability,” according to the press release. Every garment is made by hand in Freed’s factory in Leicestershire.
An Enduring Partnership
Collaboration between Freed and The Royal Ballet School is nothing new: The brand has supplied the school’s students with uniforms and pointe shoes for decades, a long-lasting association that resulted in Freed becoming the official designer and maker of the school’s full-time training uniform in 1998. “The entire process of developing The Royal Ballet School x Freed of London centenary dancewear collection has been completely joyous,” writes Freed senior manager Sophie Simpson, MBE. “Right from our initial conversation with The Royal Ballet School, it was obvious that we had the same vision for how this collection should evolve.”
“It feels especially fitting to celebrate our centenary with Freed, who have supported our dancers throughout their training for many years through their exceptional craftsmanship,” adds Dorothy Greenfield, Royal Ballet School’s director of Audiences and Communications.
Available Worldwide
The collection is already available for wholesale to Freed stockists worldwide. This means that, for the first time, not only Royal Ballet School students but young dancers around the world will be able to “wear the same level of quality, performance and craftsmanship trusted by generations of Royal Ballet School students,” the press release states.
“This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence,” says Greenfield. “We’re delighted to share these elegant, beautifully crafted pieces with young dancers, who can now feel part of the school’s 100-year heritage.”
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.