Royal ballet announces interim leader

Following Nikolaj Hübbe’s indefinite sick leave, The Royal Theatre has appointed Amy Watson as the interim ballet master. Hübbe’s absence comes after an investigation into a harsh educational environment within the ballet school, which the board deemed unacceptable. The findings, revealed by media in the autumn, include instances of employees urging normal-weight children as young as nine to lose weight. Seventeen former students reported developing eating disorders, anxiety, and depression during their tenure at the school, with claims of a fear-based environment and teacher bullying. The investigation, conducted by law firm Horten, resulted in both Kasper Holten, the theater director, and Hübbe receiving reprimands from the board. While the study acknowledges improvements over time, it suggested employment-related actions against three Royal Theatre employees. Hübbe is set to leave his post by the end of his contract in 2026. American Amy Watson, stepping in for Hübbe, has been with the Royal Ballet since 2000.