From 29-30 May at V&A South Kensington, the V&A will be hosting a two-day event with presentations celebrating the creations of Frederick Ashton and the dance scene in Britain over the past century.

Frederick Ashton’s ballet A Tragedy of Fashion, created in 1926, has been regarded as the starting point for ‘English Ballet’: the point at which Britain began fully developing its own productions leading to the foundation of national companies including Rambert and The Royal Ballet, and to the development of dance creations from an impressive range of choreographers now in demand world-wide.

Friday 29 May will focus on the work of Frederick Ashton, the founding choreographer, with a look at how his legacy survives, while Saturday 30 May takes a broader view highlighting dance, design, drama and the challenges companies have overcome in the last 100 years.

The focus on Ashton links to the Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028 celebrations which foster worldwide interest in his creations.

Those attending the conference are also invited to join one of the sessions at V&A East Storehouse on Thursday 28 May to view objects relating to the Centenary of British Ballet. Places will be strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis until each session reaches capacity.

Tickets cost £35.00 – £45.00

For more information, and to book, visit:

Celebrating a Century of British Ballet – Conferences and study days at V&A South Kensington · V&A