History of English National Ballet School

English National Ballet School was founded in 1988 by Peter Schaufuss, then director of English National Ballet, as a feeder school for the company. It began with just 12 students, under the care of Ballet Master Kerrison Cooke, and shared premises with the company. The School grew rapidly and in 1995 Diana, Princess of Wales, opened its new premises in Chelsea, transforming the School into a globally celebrated vocational ballet school.   

ENBS maintains strong links with its parent company, with around a third of ENB dancers being graduates of the School. Students perform in ENB's touring productions of My First Ballet, as well as in the company's main stage productions and those of other leading UK companies. 

English National Ballet School has an associate programme, short courses, adult classes, and a Graduate Trainee Programme. 

About The School Founder, Peter Schaufuss 

Peter Schaufuss is an Olivier, Evening Standard, and Edinburgh Critic’s Award-winning choreographer, teacher, and director, widely recognised as one of the most talented male dancers to have performed on the international stage. Peter hosted the Emmy Award-nominated television program Dancer for the BBC, as well as built his own ‘Black Box Theatre’ in Denmark. 

In 1984, Peter Schaufuss became Artistic Director of London Festival Ballet, which would become English National Ballet during his tenure. He considerably widened the Company’s repertoire and invited distinguished figures such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Natalia Makarova, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan to work with the Company. He led the way by appointing an associate choreographer, Christopher Bruce, who would go on to do works such as Swan Song, The Dream Is Over, and restaged Cruel Garden. As well as ENBS, Peter also founded the Peter Schaufuss Ballet School, the Royal Danish Ballet School in Holstebro and Edinburgh Festival Ballet School, where he is currently Artistic Director.