Born in Oxford, United Kingdom, Paul Kay began his training with Gaynor Walters in Devon, before continuing his studies at The Royal Ballet School. He trained at both the Lower and Upper Schools from 1995 to 2003, graduating with distinction after performing the Flower Festival at Genzano pas de deux. During his formative years, he was awarded medals at both the Adeline Genée and Roseta Mauri Ballet Competitions, marking him as a young artist of exceptional promise.

Upon graduation, Paul joined The Royal Ballet and was promoted to Senior Soloist in 2008. Over a distinguished 19-year career with the Company, he performed an extensive range of principal and soloist roles, including Hans-Peter in The Nutcracker, the Bronze Idol in La Bayadère, Kolia in A Month in the Country, the Jester in Cinderella, the Blue Boy in Les Patineurs, and roles in Napoli and Chroma.

He was also closely involved in the creation of numerous new works, originating roles in Wayne McGregor’s Infra, Woolf Works, and The Dante Project; Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Winter’s Tale, and DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse; as well as new choreography by Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and Cathy Marston. His artistry was recognised with a nomination for Emerging Male Artist (Classical) at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.

Beyond his performing career, Paul undertook professional teacher training at The Royal Ballet School (PDTC) and studied Benesh Movement Notation at the Royal Academy of Dance. He further developed his skills in arts management through work with The Royal Ballet, assisting in the staging of landmark productions including Giselle, The Nutcracker, and Manon.

He has taught extensively across vocational institutions, led masterclasses internationally, and regularly serves on the jury panels of prestigious international dance competitions. A dedicated educator, he continues to teach both internationally and at The Royal Ballet School.

In 2022, Paul was appointed Artistic Manager for Intensive Courses and Auditions at The Royal Ballet School. In recognition of his leadership and vision, he was promoted in 2025 to Head of Intensives and Talent Identification, a role he currently holds.