Central School of Ballet is one of Europe’s leading centres for professional dance training. The school is an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance & Drama and is led by Executive Director Mark Osterfield and Artistic Director and Professional Training Lead Kate Coyne. The school was founded in 1982 by Ann Stannard and the late Christopher Gable CBE, who established the school’s values of artistic expression in dance, and the importance of technique. Central offers a two year Foundation Degree in Professional Dance and Performance leading to a further year of training to complete a BA (Hons) degree, and a ballet-focused MA Choreography programme, all accredited by the University of Kent. Ballet Central is the Central School of Ballet's renowned graduate performing company. The company’s annual tour takes place from March to July each year; audiences across the country have the chance to see young and dynamic dancers on the cusp of their professional careers showcasing newly-commissioned works and celebrated masterpieces by the dance industry’s top choreographers.