The CAPAB Ballet Company was formed in Cape Town in 1964 as one of the principal arts segments of the Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB).

The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest ballet company – one of the oldest in the world – was established in 1934 as the University of Cape Town Ballet Company. Then, in 1964, it was incorporated into the Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB) as the CAPAB Ballet Company. Dr Dulcie Howes, the founding Artistic Director, was adamant that this classical dance company would give opportunity to talent, irrespective of race or colour, despite the ruling law of the time.

The first ballet master was David Poole, who was appointed Artistic Director in 1969. He retired in 1990. Veronica Paeper was Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of CAPAB Ballet from 1990 until it closed. During this time, Paeper wrote a number of original full-length and one-act ballets.

In 1997, CAPAB Ballet closed, becoming Cape Town City Ballet, an independent, nonprofit organisation.