Birmingham Royal Ballet first artist Ruth Brill is to leave the company at the end of the 2019 season to concentrate on her choreography career.
She will take her last curtain call as a dancer in Hobson's Choice at Birmingham Hippodrome on 22 June and at Sadler's Wells on 29 June.
She will then stage Cathy Marston's Ballet Shoes for London Children's Ballet as well as creating a new work for New English Ballet Theatre's choreographic lab and taking on the role as interim artistic director and choreographer for National Youth Ballet.
Brill said, “moving to BRB was the best decision of my career so far. I’ve had incredible opportunities here to perform a broad repertoire and have been surrounded by many kind, creative and grounded people.
“This has been life changing. I never expected to find something that gives me as much joy and satisfaction as performing on stage.
“However, in the past few years choreography has grown to be my passion. The opportunity to make new work and create something out of nothing is thrilling.
“I'm so thankful for the chances I’ve been given to develop as a choreographer, and for all the support and encouragement I’ve received. Especially to David Bintley for having faith in me, taking a risk on me and giving me a shot. You can only prove yourself when given the opportunity to do so.
“Now I need to move forward and embrace the new challenges in front of me. It’s the right moment for me to jump."
Birmingham Royal Ballet artistic director Bintley added, “I’m very proud of Ruth and the journey she’s begun during her time at BRB.
“I’m a great believer in nurturing and encouraging choreographic talent and Ruth has created some impressive pieces for the company already, the most recent being her entertaining and imaginative adaptation of Peter and the Wolf. I wish Ruth every success in the future and look forward to following her career.”