Natasha Kaplinsky announced as Chair of The Royal Ballet School

The broadcaster and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky OBE will take up the post of Chair of The Royal Ballet School on 1 October 2024.

She will replace Anna Birkett, who has held the position of Interim Chairman since January of this year. Previously the position was held by Christopher Rodrigues CBE.

The appointment reflects Natasha’s profound passion and drive to support young people and her deeply held belief in the importance of movement, dance and providing access to the arts for all.

She brings to the School extensive experience in roles in philanthropic and commercial businesses, spanning over 20 years. Between 2013 – 2016, she served on the Board of English National Ballet, crossing paths with the School’s incoming CEO, Patrick Harrison. She is President of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, a Global Ambassador for Save the Children and is President of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Chair of its Board of Directors.

Natasha said of her appointment:

‘I am overjoyed to join The Royal Ballet School at such a pivotal moment in its history as we prepare to celebrate its Centenary in 2026. It is an honour to lead the Board of this globally celebrated institution, which counts so many leading lights of classical ballet as its 100-year legacy.

The Royal Ballet School is an exciting and ground-breaking place. It works with extraordinary young people, from those in its full-time training to those thousands participating in its many outreach programmes. It is a privilege to see first-hand the holistic approach the School takes to nurturing its students to thrive and its commitment to finding ways to widen access to classical ballet for all, both in the UK and worldwide. Around 90% of the School’s full-time students receive some form of financial support to attend, and the ongoing generosity of the School’s supporters also funds many of their outreach programmes.

I look forward to bringing my experience to this special organisation, working with the highly dedicated and skilled Board and staff to build the School’s sustainability for the next century.’

The School’s Interim Chairman, Anna Birkett, said:

‘I’m delighted to hand the baton to an eminently qualified Chair. The School is extremely fortunate to have Natasha to champion its mission. With her wealth of experience, she will build strong partnerships to raise awareness of the School’s work and help further harness its power as a revered British cultural institution and a world leader in classical ballet training. She brings a profound understanding of the School’s ethos and will be instrumental in preparing the foundation for the School to launch its second century. I look forward to supporting Natasha in her role.’

Patrick Harrison, who will join the School as CEO in October 2024, said:  

‘I am thrilled by Natasha’s appointment. Her high-level expertise and devotion to young people and classical ballet will greatly benefit the School and its students.

With her vast experience, Natasha is perfectly equipped to lead the School’s Board through its next phase. I look forward to working closely with her to deliver an evolved strategy and a positive and sustainable future for the organisation, ensuring it thrives through its centenary year and beyond.’

Natasha Kaplinsky is a well-loved television broadcaster and highly recognised figure in British public life. She has presented national news bulletins for ITV, BBC, Sky, and Channel 5 and hosted a range of prestige events, including Children in Need and The Royal Variety Show. Natasha was also the first-ever winner of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Natasha is a patron for several charities, including The Bevern Trust, a charity that cares for young adults with learning difficulties, and Echo Eternal, an arts education programme that brings together children from different social, cultural and religious contexts to commemorate Holocaust and genocide survivors. She was appointed Holocaust Commissioner in 2014 and is a leading member of the Holocaust Memorial Foundation Board. In December 2020, Natasha founded the UK Women’s Network, allowing women and girls to leverage their talents and resources. Natasha was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2017 Birthday Honours List for services to Holocaust Commemoration.

Natasha is the third high-level appointment in a year in which The Royal Ballet School has seen the departures of its Artistic Director & CEO, and Chairman. New Artistic Director Iain Mackay joined the School in September, and new CEO Patrick Harrison will the School in October.