Aaron S. Watkin Will Be English National Ballet's New Artistic Director

Aaron S. Watkin Will Be English National Ballet’s New Artistic Director

English National Ballet has announced that Aaron S. Watkin will be its new Artistic Director. This follows the news earlier this year that Tamara Rojo will step down in late 2022 to take up the position of Artistic Director of San Francisco Ballet.

Watkin comes to English National Ballet from the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, Germany, where he has served as Artistic Director since 2006. During his tenure, he has built an internationally respected reputation for the company, known for the diversity of its artists and repertoire. He has presented works by some of the world’s most renowned choreographers, from George Balanchine to Pina Bausch, William Forsythe to Martha Graham.

Watkin’s appointment as Artistic Director sees him return to English National Ballet having previously danced with the company thirty years ago. Born in Canada, his stage career also saw him dance with National Ballet of Canada, Dutch National Ballet and Ballett Frankfurt, before becoming a Choreographic Assistant to William Forsythe, staging his works throughout the world.

English National Ballet 2022-2023 Season Performances ⤞

“I am delighted to be returning to English National Ballet to lead the company forward as Artistic Director. I have a great appreciation for all of Tamara’s achievements in developing and diversifying the company over the past 10 years. ENB has established itself as a creative force and it is an honour to be entrusted to continue to build on this. It is my ambition to further develop the Company’s unique identity at the forefront of dance: embracing tradition and forging innovation. I want to lead a truly open and inclusive organisation that continues its founding principle to bring world class dance to the widest possible audience. Over the last 17 years at Semperoper Ballett, I have built a creative, nurturing environment for all to thrive in, both on and off the stage. I look forward to continuing this with English National Ballet, working alongside the Company’s exceptional dancers, creatives and staff to create a vibrant future."

Aaron S. Watkin

Future Artistic Director of English National Ballet

Watkin will spend time with the Company, meeting regularly with dancers and staff before officially taking up the role of Artistic Director in August 2023.