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 repetiteurs 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.
Book-ended by the 120th anniversary of Ashton’s birth in 2024 and the 40th anniversary of his death in 2028, Ashton Worldwide 2024–2028 aims to highlight the universal appeal of Ashton’s ballets across the globe, foster the spread and influence of his legacy and encourage companies worldwide to perform Ashton works. Companies involved come from around the world, including from Australia, Canada, South America, Europe, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand and the USA as well as the UK.
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.