Ben Stevenson: in memory

News & Stories 1 Apr 2026

News Story

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ben Stevenson, internationally renowned choreographer and dancer, on Sunday 29 March.

 For 27 years, Ben was Artistic Director of Houston Ballet, where he met BRB Director Carlos Acosta. Carlos was a Principal Dancer with the company between 1993 and 1998, and worked closely with Ben, describing him as a father-figure. He credits him with having a profound impact on his life and career. 

In honour of him, following his passing, Carlos said:

To the man who taught me that ballet is as much about the soul as it is the technique. You were my mentor, my guide, and my family. Thank you for everything, Ben. The final curtain call came down, but your legacy lives on in every step I take.

Carlos Acosta, Director

Carlos brought Ben's End of Time into BRB's repertory in 2020. End of Time is a neo-classical pas de deux that depicts two people remaining on Earth after a global devastation, and was choreographed in 1984 for the International Ballet Competition in Japan, where it won the gold medal for choreography. We last performed it as part of BRB2's 2023 and 2024 tour programme, Carlos Acosta's Classical Selection. 

Image gallery

A gallery slider

Lucy Waine and Oscar Kempsey-Fagg in End of Time.

© 2023 Credit : Johan Persson

Yijing Zhang and Brandon Lawrence in End of Time.

Lucy Waine and Oscar Kempsey-Fagg in End of Time.

© 2023 Credit : Johan Persson

Frieda Kaden and Jack Easton in End of Time.

© 2024 Credit : Johan Persson

Yijing Zhang and Brandon Lawrence in End of Time.

Frieda Kaden and Jack Easton in End of Time.

© 2024 Credit : Johan Persson

Find out more...

  1. Announcing new dancers for the 2026/27 season

  2. Our City, Your Ballet: Yaoqian Shang

  3. WATCH: Carlos Acosta on his upcoming Royal Opera House performances

  4. WATCH: Principal Dancer Céline Gittens's favourite, signature and hardest ballet moves

  5. WATCH: a closer look at Swan Lake's costumes

  6. Our City, Your Ballet: why should you come watch a ballet?

  7. WATCH: Céline Gittens and Tyrone Singleton rehearse the Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake

  8. Thank you from all of us at Birmingham Royal Ballet

  9. WATCH: Carlos Acosta introduces Swan Lake

  10. Celebrating The Royal Ballet School's centenary

  11. Our City, Your Ballet: Katherine Ochoa

  12. Swan Lake Principal casting announced

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