Step behind the scenes as Matthew Bourne daringly reimagines his groundbreaking “Swan Lake.”

Twenty-four years after its debut, the swans have transformed into fierce, more menacing creatures that embody both freedom and danger. This update, Bourne reveals, was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's “The Birds.” Designers Lez Brotherston and Paule Constable tell us they drew inspiration from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Handmaid’s Tale." 

During rehearsals, quirky elements emerge through male dancers in drag, though Bourne steers them clear of parody. Principal Liam Mower delves into the prince’s inner turmoil, portraying a conflict of repressed desire and identity. The result is a thrilling revival of Matthew Bourne’s 1995 classic—an emotionally charged, poignant dance spectacle.

Reimagined with a darker edge and inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, witness a ballet being turned upside down by Matthew Bourne. 

The Making of Swan Lake

For over 70 years, the magic of Christmas has come alive at New York’s Lincoln Center. Now, you can bring this cherished holiday tradition into your home.

With masterful choreography, lavish costumes, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score, the enchanting tale of young Marie's dreamlike journey unfolds. An onstage blizzard whisks her to the Land of Sweets, where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers. The iconic "Sugar Plum Fairy" pas de deux, celebrated for its beauty and technical precision, stands out, along with the mesmerizing "Waltz of the Flowers" and "March of the Wooden Soldiers." Tiler Peck shines as the Marzipan Shepherdess, showcasing exceptional artistry and control.

The costumes, designed by Karinska, are true masterpieces. Notably, Mother Ginger's towering gown, spanning 9 feet wide and weighing 85 pounds, as well as a sparkling Christmas tree that magically grows to 40 feet before your eyes.

Immerse yourself in a holiday classic of dance, music, and wonder as Marie is whisked away to the enchanted Land of Sweets.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Relive a performance in Vienna that went down in ballet history 60 years ago, when a young Rudolf Nureyev staged his legendary interpretation of "Swan Lake." 

Hailed as one of the most captivating dance works ever, perfectly capturing the noble and volatile spirit of classical ballet.

Nureyev placed greater emphasis on the "Swan Lake" character of Prince Siegfried, aiming to elevate the main male role to the level of the female lead. He partnered with prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, and together, they formed a partnership that endured for many years.

Six decades ago, a young Rudolf Nureyev premiered his iconic reimagining of "Swan Lake," forever changing the world of dance.

Nureyev: Swan Lake

With exquisite movement, sumptuous visuals, and a score that wraps around you like a spell, this Beauty isn’t just a revival but a celebration of what ballet can be—majestic, timeless, and deeply moving.

Director Monica Mason stays true to the original vision while conjuring a fairy-tale world where every set piece is steeped in enchantment. Marius Petipa's 19th-century choreography is beautifully enriched by contributions from Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell, and Christopher Wheeldon for The Royal Ballet.

Aurora's journey from innocence to maturity is expressed through intricate choreography that demands both technical mastery and storytelling finesse. The iconic "Rose Adagio," where Aurora greets her royal suitors, showcases breathtaking skill. Equally captivating is the final pas de deux, which brings the ballet to its triumphant close.

Prepare to fall in love with this timeless tale of romance, magic, and triumph, featuring iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score.

The Sleeping Beauty

Angelin Preljocaj's dance piece, 'Annunciation,' artfully portrays the profound moment when the Virgin Mary learns she is carrying the Messiah.  

Preljocaj's innovative choreography focuses on an intimate encounter between Mary and the Archangel Gabriel, set against a minimal soundtrack of laughing children, religious choirs, and harsh electric static. This sensual piece explores the symbolic complexities of the Annunciation, a key religious event, focusing on Mary's inner world and the disruption caused by immaculate conception.  This dance piece goes beyond traditional religious representations, creating a visceral experience of the very act of conception.  

Angelin Preljocaj's dance piece, 'Annunciation,' artfully portrays the profound moment when the Virgin Mary learns she is carrying the Messiah. 

Annonciation

Nothing lasts forever. In this poignant dance short by filmmaker Ramón Verdugo, a couple confronts the inevitable fading of their relationship. 

Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Mono no Aware’, which captures the emptiness associated with acknowledging the impermanence of life, this moving dance piece focuses on the quiet and devastating moments of limbo as a couple acknowledges that their love will not last.  Shot on the captivating set of Orca Studios, this production uses a virtual landscape to transport the couple through space and time - from lush landscapes of budding love to the stark emptiness of growing apart.  


Nothing lasts forever. In this poignant dance short by filmmaker Ramón Verdugo, a couple confronts the inevitable fading of their relationship. 

Aware

One of the first commissioned projects from Ballet Unleashed includes a new creation by internationally renowned choreographer Cathy Marston. In response to an emerging landscape for current artists, Marston’s new choreographic work Switchback offers
a physical narrative portraying a dancer’s quest to chase their dreams. 

In Marstons’ words, this is a coming of age story about a young adult who leaves their home in order to chase their dream. The film follows their story as they set out on a quest to leave what is comfortable and embark on the unknown. Their story is echoed through the stories of other characters on the same journey, taking risks, getting lost and facing challenges to reach their goal. 

By drawing from her personal experiences and that of collaborating artists, this dance film will feature site-specific solos and duets, performed by six dancers from locations all over the world. The piece will be co-directed with Director/Producer Lauren Finerman.

In response to an emerging landscape for current artists, Cathy Marston’s new choreographic work Switchback offers a physical narrative portraying a dancer’s quest to chase their dreams.

Switchback

Ballet Unleashed presents a new cinema meets dance short film from award-winning choreographer/filmmaker Loughlan Prior. 

New Zealand choreographer Laughlan Prior (Cinderella, The Firebird, Hansel & Gretel) took inspiration from the symmetry, shape, and hidden meanings of the infamous Rorschach Inkblot Tests to create his innovative dance short. Dancers from around the world come together in an imaginative digital world of dripping ink and amorphous black-and-white forms. Set to an original score by composer Claire Cowan, Prior’s bold visual landscape comes to life in a surreal, yet playful, work that highlights the artistic harmony of dance. 

Ballet Unleashed presents a new cinema meets dance short film from award-winning choreographer/filmmaker Loughlan Prior. 

Inklings

Get lost in the spellbinding tale of the legendary sorcerer, Merlin, in Northern Ballet's spectacular new production. 

Olivier Award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie (Broadway’s King Kong and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom) has transformed the famous Arthurian legend into a spectacular new family-friendly ballet. 

Set to an enchanting original score written by Grant Olding, the story of Merlin comes spectacularly to life. Enchanting performances, unrivaled storytelling, and a magnificent fire-breathing dragon come together to create a dazzling production bursting with magic.

Get lost in the spellbinding tale of the legendary sorcerer, Merlin, in Northern Ballet's spectacular new production. 

Merlin

Fantastic fairies, opulent balls, and a healthy dose of humor. Choreographer Christian Spuck reimagines Marius Petipa’s timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty, for Ballett Zürich.  

Christian Spuck ( Romeo and Juliet, Messa da Requiem, The Nutcracker and The Mouse King) presents a fresh and captivating take on the beloved ballet. This enchanting adaptation follows the journey of sheltered Aurora, beautifully portrayed by Michelle Willems, as she courageously breaks free from expectations and steps into her own. Supported by a brilliantly costumed cast of androgynous fairies, thanks to costume designer Buki Shiff, Spuck turns the spotlight on the fate of Carabosse ( William Moore) blurring the line between good and evil. This production is full of quick wit, magical designs, and of course, Spuck’s unique choreographic language. Accompanied by Philharmonia Zurich, under Servenikas’s baton, Tchaikovsky’s melodies provide the perfect backdrop to this mesmerizing production. Combining the best of fairy tale magic and artistic innovation.


Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty with Ballet Zurich; Choreographer Christian Spuck creates a modern and exciting new interpretation of the popular fairy tale.

Sleeping Beauty – Ballet by Christian Spuck

After taking a break from choreographing outside his own company, renowned Choreographer Thierry Malandain has created an innovative pastoral double bill for the Ballet du Capitole, featuring the world premiere of his work Daphnis et Chloé.

Beginning with Debussy’s famous symphonic poem, l'après-midi d'un faune, Malandain has returned to his neoclassical roots, creating a tranquil yet humorous, pastoral scene featuring soloist Philippe Solano.  

This is followed by his impressionistic interpretation of Ravel’s 1912 symphony with choir, Daphnis et Chloé. Originally created for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, Malandain has reinvented this pastoral myth of innocence and love infusing it with his signature precision and whimsy. 

This world premiere brings together the vital forces of the Capitole: the Ballet, the Chorus and the Orchestra under the direction of Maxime Pascal.

Watch choreographer Theirry Malandain’s double bill featuring the world premiere of his reinterpretation of Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé.

Daphnis et Chloé

Writer Laura Esquivel’s modern Mexican tale of passionate and forbidden love comes brilliantly to life with The Royal Ballet. Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon ( Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) captures the layered richness of Esquivel’s incredible family saga, Like Water for Chocolate. Royal Ballet Principals Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé shine as the star-crossed Tita and Pedro, and composer Joby Talbot’s original score springs to life in the hands of Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra. Full of dramatic energy and magical storytelling this production is a dazzling new contemporary classic.  

Writer Laura Esquivel’s novel, Like Water for Chocolate, comes brilliantly to life with The Royal Ballet. Watch now. 

Like Water for Chocolate

Celebrate the life and legacy of ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev. Widely regarded as one of the greatest ballet dancers, Nureyev’s contributions to the world of ballet forever changed the art form. The Nureyev Legend and Legacy Gala features a selection of excerpts that represent pivotal moments from Nureyev’s career performed by today’s leading ballet stars. From his mesmerizing Le Corsaire solo to spellbinding duets from his partnership with Margot Fonteyn, this gala is an authentic homage to Nureyev’s artistic brilliance.  

Celebrate the life and legacy of ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev with the Nureyev Legend and Legacy Gala. 

Nureyev: Legend and Legacy

The story takes place in Naples where Pulcinella is a local rogue with an eye for the girls. Rosetta, Isabella and Prudenza are infatuated with him, much to the irritation of their boyfriends and Pulcinella's wife, Pimpinella. One night, the boyfriends lie in wait for Pulcinella and beat him soundly. To escape, Pulcinella falls down 'dead' and the men sneak guiltily away, leaving the 'corpse' to be discovered by their girlfriends. Meanwhile, Pimpinella, having caught Pulcinella flirting once too often, persuades her friends to disguise themselves as Pulcinella and pester the girls, to teach them a lesson. When the girls and their boyfriends see the fake Pulcinellas, they are convinced they are seeing ghosts. Pimpinella arrives, the fake Pulcinellas reveal themselves, and the real Pulcinella re-appears. The lovers ask forgiveness, and everyone celebrates.

The story takes place in Naples where Pulcinella is a local rogue with an eye for the girls.

Pulcinella

A tale of the French Revolution, the Flames of Paris belongs to the pearls of the pure classics of classical dance. This world premiere recording of this new production from choreographer Alexei Ratmansky (after Vasily Vaynonenon) and the Bolshoi Ballet, features the stunning soloists Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev. Although set in revolutionary France, The Flames of Paris’s intention was to serve as an allegory for contemporary events in the Soviet Union. The ballet premiered in 1932 on the anniversary of the October Revolution, and one of its main characters was in fact the population - revolutionary in mood and ready for action. Not surpringly, Flames of Paris was quickly included in the ranks of works which were always presented for major anniversaries.The choreographer Alexei Ratmanky has attempted to make maximum use of the preserved fragments of Vasily Vainonen in his new ballet.

A tale of the French Revolution, the Flames of Paris belongs to the pearls of the pure classics of classical dance.

The Flames of Paris

Choreographer Silas Farley's piece, Dowland Dances, draws inspiration from the idea that art can transcend history, evolving and moving forward while drawing inspiration from the past. 

The piece is set to Sting’s rendition of music by the English Renaissance composer John Dowland. Farley was intrigued by the idea that Dowland, a pop star of his own generation, has inspired and lived on through a contemporary pop star like Sting. Farley has similarly drawn inspiration from ballet’s long history, mixing the old with the new, to create this unique piece.

Choreographer Silas Farley's piece, Dowland Dances, draws inspiration from the idea that art can transcend history.

Dowland Dances

Recommendations

Matthew Bourne’s groundbreaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s ''Swan Lake,'' which transformed the world of dance, is captured on film for the first time. Famous for its all-male corps de ballet, the 1995 production became Broadway’s longest-running full-length dance classic.

In this cinematic adaptation, Bourne and his award-winning collaborators—Lez Brotherston (set and costume design) and Paule Constable (lighting design)—continue to push artistic boundaries, delivering a thrilling reimagining of their original vision.

Liam Mower’s emotionally charged portrayal of the Prince, paired with his intense and dangerous romance with Will Bozier’s Swan, ensures this rendition of Swan Lake remains as powerful and captivating as ever.

A joyless prince encounters a moonlit flock of swans, igniting both romance and danger in Matthew Bourne's multi-award-winning Swan Lake. 

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

New Adventures

Subscribe now to watch

Cast & Crew

Recommendations