Anders Hellström appointed new Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Ballet

Anders Hellström has a background as a dancer with the Royal Swedish Ballet and later at the Hamburg Ballet, where he was Principal dancer from 1984 to 1993, and at William Forsythe's Ballet Frankfurt from 1993 to 1999.

Between 1999 – 2002 he was Artistic Director of the Göteborg Opera Dance Company and 2004 – 2009 Artistic Director of Nederlands Dans Theatre. He has also worked as a freelance teacher and stager and has had many years of collaboration with the Royal Swedish Ballet, as well as the Norwegian National Ballet, the Berliner State Ballet, the Finnish National Ballet and the Ballet National de Marseille, among others.

»After a long career abroad, I am very much looking forward to coming back to my hometown of Stockholm and starting the work as Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Ballet. It will be a task with challenges but also opportunities during the upcoming renovation of the Opera House at Gustav Adolfs Torg. I look forward to getting to know the house as such and in particular the work with the dancers and its artistic and administrative staff«, says Anders Hellström.

»I am very pleased that Anders has agreed to lead the Royal Swedish Ballet into the exciting new era that lies ahead for both the ballet company and the entire Royal Swedish Opera. Anders has extensive experience as artistic director and leader and has the qualities that we have been looking for in order to lead and develop the Royal Swedish Ballet«, says the Royal Swedish Opera's CEO Fredrik Lindgren.

»I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Anders Hellström, a fascinating artist who will bring his unique perspective and experience to the company while maintaining the highest artistic standards. I look forward to working together as we explore the exciting potential of Gasometer, our new stage«, says Royal Kapellmeister Alan Gilbert, Music Director at the Royal Swedish Opera.

Anders Hellström will take up the position as Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Ballet on 1 of August, with an appointment of five years. He succeeds Nicolas Le Riche, whose appointment expires this summer after eight years as Artistic director.