Today, Covent Garden takes centre stage with the unveiling of a major new aerial installation celebrating 100 years of The Royal Ballet School in the heart of London’s West End. Commissioned by Covent Garden, A Century of Becoming by sculptural artist Pauline Loctin, is inspired by the grace and movement of ballet. The aerial artwork celebrates the enduring legacy of The Royal Ballet School and its contribution to nurturing generations of dancers for a century.
Suspended within the historic Market Building and on view until September, the installation features 25 hand-crafted paper sculptures floating in the air, transforming the 50metres of Central Avenue into an immersive celebration of artistic expression for the summer. To celebrate the artwork unveiling inspired by 100 years of ballet, 60 ballerinas from the Royal Ballet School gathered under the installation.
A Century of Becoming serves as the centrepiece of Covent Garden’s wider celebrations of The Royal Ballet School’s centenary. From 22nd June, a six-day programme will transform the Piazza into a vibrant hub of dance, creativity and cultural discovery, with free public screenings of ballet classes and performances, including, for the first time, full-length Royal Ballet School classes open to public viewing on-screen, alongside dance-inspired films, student choreography showcases and interactive experiences. Visitors will also be able to discover Ballet in Bloom, a floral installation by Covent Garden’s Head Horticulturalist, alongside a sculpture by former English National Ballet dancer and artist Amber Hunt, bringing an additional artistic dimension to the celebrations.
The programme reflects Covent Garden’s enduring connection to ballet and performance. Home to The Royal Ballet School’s Upper School and neighbouring the Royal Opera House, the destination has played an integral role in the School’s story for more than two decades, making it a fitting setting in which to celebrate 100 years of artistic excellence and innovation.
Bringing together performance, storytelling and immersive public experiences, Covent Garden’s and The Royal Ballet School’s centenary programme honours 100 years of dance excellence while inviting visitors to experience ballet in a new and accessible way in the heart of London.
For more information on Covent Garden & The Royal Ballet School’s programme of events, Pauline Loctin or Covent Garden’s summer programme of events, visit the official Covent Garden website or email coventgarden@thebeaconuk.com
