Former Scottish Ballet Principal Bethany Kingsley-Garner has been appointed Artistic Director of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Young Ballet Company.

The company sits within RCS’s Junior Conservatoire of Dance, which provides a nationally recognised pathway for young people aspiring to careers in the performing arts. Bethany, who is a regular guest teacher at RCS’s School of Dance, will take up the Young Ballet Company position in September 2026.

Kerry Livingstone, Director of the School of Dance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “Bethany brings extraordinary experience and insight to this role. She is widely celebrated for her work as a Principal with Scottish Ballet and as an international coach, combining artistry with a deep passion for teaching and mentoring young dancers.”

“Through her work with our dancers at both junior and undergraduate level, Bethany has built a strong connection with RCS and a clear understanding of how best to support them at this stage of their development. She will be a hugely inspiring leader for the Young Ballet Company.”

Commenting on her new RCS role, Bethany said: “I take on this role with immense pride as we move the company into an exciting new direction.

“Our focus is clear – to prepare dancers not just for training, but for the professional world, developing their technique, artistry, discipline and identity as performers.

“We are not just building dancers; we are nurturing and elevating artists.”

Bethany, who was recently named Classical Associate Director at the UK Young Dancer competition, is also an Ambassador for RCS’s BA Modern Ballet degree programme, which is delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet.

The Young Ballet Company is an auditioned course open to all dancers from Primary 7 to S6 who have experience in classical ballet training. It meets weekly to develop repertoire and performance skills while creating work for performances throughout the year. Dancers also work with guest artists to expand their technique and knowledge.

Applications for RCS’s Young Ballet Company are now open with auditions scheduled to take place in June.

Bethany added: “Each term will include performance opportunities, including masterclasses and choreographic showcases, offering opportunities to be seen and to grow in ways they may have never experienced before.

“We will also welcome guest teachers, who are leaders in the ballet world, giving dancers invaluable exposure and the chance to learn from those at the forefront of the industry.”

Find out more about RCS’s Young Ballet Company, including audition information and term dates here.

Main image and left hand-side image below: Bethany Kingsley-Garner © Rimbaud Patron