Biography

Kevin O’Hare is Director of The Royal Ballet. Appointed in July 2012, he is responsible for driving the artistic direction of the Company. He is committed to the promotion of outstanding creativity and artistic excellence, developing talent and widening the Company’s performing platform.
O’Hare was born in Yorkshire and trained at The Royal Ballet School. He began his performing career with The Royal Ballet’s sister company Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, and stayed with that company as a Principal during its transformation into Birmingham Royal Ballet. During this time he performed extensively in the UK and internationally, including as a guest artist with many leading companies. His repertory included all the leading classical roles, such as Prince Siegfried (Swan Lake), Prince Florimund (The Sleeping Beauty), Albrecht (Giselle) and Romeo (Romeo and Juliet). O’Hare worked with many leading figures in the ballet world, including Ninette de Valois, Peter Wright, Frederick Ashton, MacMillan and David Bintley, as well as creating many roles. He also produced many galas and choreographic evenings.
O’Hare retired from the stage in 2000, entering into a traineeship in company management with the Royal Shakespeare Company. This led to the post of Company Manager with BRB in 2001, and in 2004 he joined The Royal Ballet as Company Manager. He was made Administrative Director in 2009 before being appointed to his current role. Under his directorship the Company has been distinguished with numerous honours including the Olivier Awards, Benois de la Danse and Critics' Circle National Dance Awards. His collaborative approach to the industry is demonstrated in such initiatives as World Ballet Day and inviting guest UK ballet companies to share the stage for the 2017 MacMillan celebrations. He is on the board of The Royal Ballet School, Northern Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance and is a Trustee of the Frederick Ashton Foundation. He was appointed a CBE in 2018.
The position of Director of The Royal Ballet is generously supported by Lady Ashcroft.
News and features
The Royal Ballet announces promotions for 2018/19 Season
Matthew Ball is promoted to Principal dancer, the highest rank in the Company.
How choreographer Liam Scarlett is reimagining Swan Lake
A fresh look at the great classic, The Royal Ballet's new production is the Company's first in 30 years.
The Royal Ballet and National Ballet of Canada to stage immersive production at London's Printworks in October 2017
The UK premiere of Robert Binet's The Dreamers Ever Leave You will be staged at the former home of the Metro and Evening Standard newspapers' printing operations.
Posts by Kevin O'Hare
Standing ovations and critical acclaim greet Royal Ballet performances in Moscow
The Company’s 2014 tour continues in Taiwan this Friday, taking British culture to a global audience.
The Royal Ballet in review: A look back on 2013 from Kevin O'Hare
The Director of The Royal Ballet picks out his highlights of the year. Do you agree?
Photos
Alexander Campbell, Kevin O'Hare and Kristen McNally presenting The Royal Ballet's live-stream as part of World Ballet Day 2018

Kevin O’Hare

Executive and artistic staff of the Royal Opera House at the 2012/13 Season launch

Kevin O'Hare introducing a rehearsal of The Unknown Soldier at Month of Sundays Festival

Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet

Kevin O’Hare

Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet

Executive and artistic staff of The Royal Ballet at the 2012/13 Season launch

World Ballet Day 2019, Signing the Mental Health Charter

World Ballet Day 2019, Signing the Mental Health Charter

Kevin O'Hare

The Royal Ballet in class, World Ballet Day 2018

Kevin O'Hare and Melissa Hamilton at the 2014/15 cinema launch

Kevin O'Hare at ROH Insights Swan Lake in rehearsal

World Ballet Day 2019, The Sleeping Beauty rehearsal

World Ballet Day 2019, The Sleeping Beauty rehearsal

World Ballet Day 2019, Signing the Mental Health Charter

Kevin O'Hare

Kevin O'Hare and the Taglioni Cake. Photograph by Rachel Hollings, 2017

Kevin O'Hare and Kasper Holten at the Our Extraordinary World Gala

Kevin O'Hare photo by Teri Pengilley
