In 2024, the Royal Ballet School deepened its investment in outreach and training by appointing Francesca Hayward as the Lead Ambassador for its Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP). Hayward, a Principal of The Royal Ballet and a celebrated alumna of the Royal Ballet School, brings her personal journey and professional stature to a programme designed to extend high-quality ballet education across borders.
Hayward’s early ballet education began in the School’s Junior Associate Programme, followed by her time at White Lodge and the Upper School. She joined The Royal Ballet in the 2010/11 season and rose rapidly through the ranks to become a Principal by 2016. Her performances in roles such as Juliet, Manon, and Giselle have earned critical acclaim, but it is her advocacy for broader access to ballet training that defines this new chapter in her career.
As Lead Ambassador, Hayward is working to raise awareness of the Royal Ballet School’s ATAP initiative, which allows recreational dance teachers worldwide to deliver training aligned with the School’s standards. Since its inception in 2022, ATAP has certified 46 Affiliate teachers and currently has another 29 in training. These instructors operate across 12 countries, adapting the programme to diverse student populations and regional dance practices.
In her new capacity, Hayward focuses on promoting the long-term value of a holistic dance education. She emphasizes the importance of developing not just physical technique but also creative expression and artistic appreciation. By engaging children, parents, and educators globally, she aims to position ballet as an accessible and enriching discipline for a new generation.
The Royal Ballet School’s decision to enlist Hayward reflects a strategic effort to expand its reach without compromising its core principles. The ATAP model is not bound by a rigid syllabus but instead encourages flexibility and pedagogical innovation. Teachers are trained in four key areas: ballet vocabulary, repertoire, creative practice, and conditioning. This approach mirrors the School’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded dancers and educators.
Hayward’s influence is particularly evident in her ability to communicate the emotional and cultural dimensions of ballet. Her presence at events, online forums, and media campaigns allows the Royal Ballet School to connect more directly with a broader audience. It also lends authenticity to the ATAP programme, as participants can see the trajectory of someone who once stood in their shoes.
Beyond promotional work, Hayward contributes to the content and structure of teacher training sessions. Her insights help shape the curriculum to better reflect current performance standards and the evolving needs of young dancers. As ATAP expands, her leadership provides a bridge between the Royal Ballet School’s tradition and its global future.
This appointment also underscores the School’s emphasis on alumni engagement. Many of its most prominent dancers maintain ties with the institution long after graduation, offering mentorship, workshops, and guest instruction. Hayward’s role is a natural extension of this ethos, reinforcing the idea that graduates can shape the School’s direction long after their student days have ended.
With Francesca Hayward’s involvement, the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme stands poised for deeper international impact. Her career and values align seamlessly with the School’s goals: to provide exceptional ballet education while making the art form more accessible and inclusive. In doing so, Hayward embodies the very mission she now champions.