Monica Mason: 54 years with the Royal Ballet

The Royal Ballet is hosting an exhibition to showcase the career of Dame Monica Mason, who is set to retire in July after 54 years with the company.

Mason joined the Royal Ballet School when she was 16 years old and was the youngest member of the company at that time.

Now, after nearly ten years as the director of the Royal Ballet, she will handover to retired dancer Kevin O'Hare.

While the Royal Opera House team went about setting up for the exhibition of photographs, costumes and memorabilia, Mason shared some of her career highlights with BBC News.

Monica Mason: A Life with The Royal Ballet runs from 27 February until 17 July 2012. Rehearsal footage courtesy of the Royal Opera House.

Video produced by Rachel Curtis.