A new company created by the Birmingham Royal Ballet will launch its inaugural UK tour later this year.
BRB2 is a two year performance programme for the best young ballet graduates from around the world.
It is hoped that as well as providing "vital employment" for the next generation of performers, it will also act as a magnet for UK and international talent.
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s first soloist, Kit Holder, will lead BRB2 as artistic director in the first year.
"BRB2 will not only ensure that young professional dancers joining Birmingham Royal Ballet will be ready to deliver world-class performances in a wide range of roles, but they, along with those going on to other companies and organisations, will be ready to make a positive contribution to the wider dance world," Kit said.
The BRB2 dancers will train and perform with the whole Birmingham Royal Ballet company in major productions, but they will also develop their own touring programme.
The first cohort include:
- Oscar Kempsey-Fagg (Birmingham, UK)
- Mason King (UK, Ascot/New Zealand)
- Frieda Kaden (Germany)
- Mailene Katoch (France)
- Jack Easton (USA)
Joining them for the first UK tour will be Enrique Bejarano Vidal (Mexico), Olivia Chang Clarke (London), Regan Hutsell (USA), Sofia Linares (Spain), Eric Pinto Cata (London), Lucy Waine (Cheltenham) and soloist Riku Ito (Japan).
More details on the BRB2 tour, which kicks off in April, can be found at www.brb.org.uk.
