Christopher Marney, the Artistic Director of the newly revived London City Ballet, has long held a deep connection to the company that shaped his early dreams and aspirations. The London City Ballet played a pivotal role in his childhood, sparking his passion for dance when he watched the company perform. The impression those performances left on him was so profound that they fueled his desire to pursue a professional career in dance. This emotional connection to the London City Ballet is what ultimately inspired Marney to revive the company nearly three decades after its closure.

For nearly twenty years, the London City Ballet was one of the most celebrated and successful touring companies in the world. It regularly graced major venues like Sadler’s Wells, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances. The company's reputation soared even higher in 1983 when Diana, Princess of Wales, became its patron. Her enthusiastic support not only elevated the company’s profile but also brought significant attention to its talented dancers. She remained a dedicated patron until 1996, when the company was forced to close due to financial difficulties. The loss of the London City Ballet was deeply felt throughout the dance community, leaving a void that Marney is now determined to fill.

Marney understands the importance of the London City Ballet’s rich history in its revival. To ensure that the new direction of the company respects its past, he has made it a priority to speak with former members and glean insights from those who experienced its heyday. This commitment to honoring the company’s legacy is balanced with Marney’s desire to breathe new life into it, introducing a fresh generation of dancers and revitalizing works by influential choreographers that have disappeared from mainstream repertoires. His vision is not just to bring back the past but to celebrate it by infusing it with contemporary energy and innovation.

Under Marney's leadership, the London City Ballet is set to embark on an ambitious tour schedule, performing for six months each year over an initial three-year period across the UK and internationally. Marney himself has had a distinguished career as a dancer, performing in leading principal roles with some of the world's most renowned companies, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Balletboyz, Gothenburg Ballet in Sweden, Ballet Biarritz in France, and Bern Ballet in Switzerland. His diverse experience and deep-seated passion for the London City Ballet have uniquely positioned him to lead its revival, honoring its storied past while paving the way for a vibrant future.