About RPBA

Royal Principal Ballet was established in 1959, located in Royal City—downtown New Westminster, Vancouver, Canada. It was founded by Ms. Dolores Kirkwood and was originally named The Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts. Over the past 50 years, it has become a well-known local performing arts group. In 2009, Ms. Keitha Campeau, a student of Ms. Kirkwood, took over as the school director and renamed it Northwest Academy of Performing Arts, earning a good reputation in the Royal City of New Westminster.

In 2019, Mr. Liang Xing, a principal dancer of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and a first-class actor in China, became the CEO of the Royal Principal Ballet. Under his leadership, the academy was officially renamed the Royal Principal Ballet. Due to Mr. Xing’s unique background,RPBA focuses on ballet performance collaborations and rehearsals. Starting from 2019, RPBA has annually performed “The Nutcracker”, featuring performers ranging from ages 4 to 60 years old. Additionally, it presents various classical ballet productions each year, such as “Swan Lake,” “Nutcraker””Études,” and “Paquita,” all of which are well-received by audiences.

Moreover, the Royal Principal Ballet has rehearsed over a hundred different ballet variations and contemporary dance works, participating in various international ballet competitions and exhibitions, and winning numerous awards and honors.

In 2025, we became the Canadian studio with the highest number of solo pieces qualifying for the YAGP Finals, and also achieved the top overall individual results among all Canadian studios at the ADCIBC Finals.

RPBA is committed to providing rehearsal and performance opportunities for ballet enthusiasts of all ages, while creating and presenting more dance and ballet productions for audiences.

Why RPBA?

Exceptional Performance

RPBA provides exceptional rehearsal opportunities with a focus on ballet. Our rehearsals offer structure and discipline in an encouraging and positive environment. As a result, RPBA boasts a group of well-rounded, positive dancers who respect the faculty and each other. Our teachers inspire dancers with their knowledge and experience in all dance styles, and we encourage them to embrace rehearsals for many different dances. Outstanding technique classes, Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams, competitions, and solo performances all contribute to enhancing the overall experience for RPBA dancers. Students have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with guest teachers and to travel. We are committed to cultivating confident, graceful dancers who inspire one another.

Experienced, Accredited Faculty

RPBA boasts an experienced and certified team of outstanding teachers. These instructors and ballet masters provide high-level rehearsals and choreography, inspiring dancers to strive for excellence while offering a nurturing and supportive environment. All our ballet teachers are graduates of professional ballet academies, such as the Vaganova Ballet Academy, Beijing Dance Academy, and RWB Ballet School. They also have backgrounds as professional ballet dancers, many with experience as top international principals. Please visit our staff profile page to view the degrees and accomplishments of all RPBA staff members.

Beautiful Facility

RPBA opened it’s new doors in 2009 to a newly built state of the art facility. We have three dance studios with sprung floors and professional dance flooring as well as a built in sound system.

Professional Flooring

We used the top dance floor Harlequin which is the same floor as the National Ballet of Canada and America Ballet Theatre .

The school gives students the best protection by choosing the most professional floor, and also helps students complete professional learning

Employment

If you are a dance teacher looking for employment at RPBA or would like to be added to our RPBA substitute teacher list, please forward your resume to:

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