Established in 2011, the Foundation exists to enrich and preserve the legacy of Frederick Ashton (1904–1988) and his catalogue of over 100 ballets. Its principal aim is to ensure Ashton’s work continues to be performed around the world, and presented to the highest standard. To this end, the Foundation identifies and trains specialist répétiteurs to teach, coach and stage his ballets. Its growing range of programmes also includes the international festival Ashton Worldwide 2024–2028; initiatives to rediscover rarely performed and lost Ashton works; regular masterclasses and events; collaborations with educational institutions to increase awareness of and access to Ashton’s ballets for future generations; and the commissioning and facilitation of new productions of Ashton’s work.
Frederick Ashton is a towering figure in the development of classical ballet, one of the world’s greatest and most distinctive choreographers and a principal architect of 20th-century classical ballet. Founder Choreographer and later Director of The Royal Ballet, he created over one hundred ballets, principally for The Royal Ballet. Ashton’s works are in the repertory of many companies throughout the world.
Commissioned by The Frederick Ashton Foundation and created by dance filmmaker Lynne Wake, this series celebrates the remarkable legacy of Frederick Ashton—Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet and a defining figure in British dance.
Go behind the scenes with leading contemporary choreographers as they delve into some of Ashton’s most cherished ballets and the creative processes behind them, reflecting on the impact of his work on their own choreography.
Search Frederick Ashton’s works by date or title. This index was originally published in David Vaughan’s book Frederick Ashton and His Ballets, and includes new productions added since then up until 2007. Ballets with the subtitle ‘choreographed in part’ indicate works in which Ashton choreographed sections or individual numbers (ballets by other choreographers, films, revues, etc).
Every donation and legacy, whatever the size, contributes directly to the work of the Foundation. Please visit our donations page below for more information.