Spain's socialist government and royal family reportedly back the plan, although most funding — 85% — will come from the private sector.

The proposed Spanish national ballet is not to be confused with the Compa걋a Nacional de Danza, directed by renowned choreographer Nacho Duato; that company performs modern dance.

According to The Guardian, Tamara Rojo, principal dancer at London's Royal Ballet, is a candidate to be the new ballet company's artistic director, although that appointment has not been confirmed. "The idea is there, but it is going to take time. Nothing is going to happen immediately. Things have to be done properly," Rojo told the paper.

The new company, with a 65-member corps de ballet, will be based in the town of Fuenlabrada, near Madrid.

The Guardian writes that it is possible that Rojo, 31, who has danced many classic roles at Covent Garden, including Giselle, Juliet and Odette/Odile, would combine her dancing career at the Royal Ballet with work on launching the new company.

Alicia Alonso, the 85-year-old founder and director of Cuba's national ballet, also has a dance institute at a university in Fuenlabrada; reportedly, she also strongly supports the project.