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

Experience Henrik Iben's 'Ghosts' transformed into a mesmerizing ballet by choreographers Marit Moum Aune and Cina Esprejord for the Norwegian National Ballet. 

Oswald Alving, torn from his Parisian bohemian lifestyle, returns to a quaint Norwegian fjord where a new orphanage is set to honor his late father. Mrs. Alving, anticipating her son's arrival, begins to reveal powerful family secrets that shake the foundations of the family. 

This critically acclaimed ballet adaptation immerses audiences in a haunting psychological thriller, delving deep into the complexities of truth and deception. With haunting elegance and emotional depth, it explores the complexities of truth and deception through the powerful language of dance. Witness an unforgettable performance praised by Dance Europe as ''an extraordinary accomplishment.''

Experience Henrik Iben's 'Ghosts' transformed into a mesmerizing ballet by choreographers Marit Moum Aune and Cina Esprejord for the Norwegian National Ballet.

Ghosts

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

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

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

The Royal Ballet presents Wayne McGregor’s three-part ballet inspired by Dante’s The Divine Comedy. 

Travel through Dante’s 14th-century vision of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise accompanied by an original score from composer/conductor Thomas Adès. With a new narrative arc centered around a young woman, Beatrice, Dante’s extraordinary vision unfolds in a spectacular show of movement, sound, space, and light. 

The Royal Ballet presents The Dante Project, Wayne McGregor’s three-part ballet inspired by Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Watch now.

The Dante Project

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

Discover acclaimed Swedish choreographer Mats Ek’s 1987 reworking of the ballet classic, Giselle, for the Cullberg Ballet.  

With the sensational Ana Laguna in the title role, Mats Ek’s interpretation of the ballet classic has all the whimsy and imaginative innovation so closely associated with the choreographer. In this version of Giselle, the traditional romantic Rhineland village is replaced by a landscape in the shape of breasts, and the supernatural realm of the Wilis is replaced by the harsh reality of a lunatic asylum giving this interpretation a harsh modern relevance.  Ana Laguna dances superbly as the barefoot girl who falls ‘madly in love’.

Discover acclaimed Swedish choreographer Mats Ek’s 1987 reworking of the ballet classic, Giselle, for the Cullberg Ballet. 

Mats Ek's Giselle

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

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

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

The Tides is a short ballet piece that captures the very essence of water.  Performed by Pointeworks artists Sophie Williams and Valentin Batista, the dance is set to an expressive score by Adrian Berenguer, this dance short showcases the unique emotional depth of choreographer Leiland Charles.  

This short ballet piece, performed by Pointeworks artists Sophie Williams and Valentin Batista, explores very essence of water. 

The Tides

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

Widely lauded by critics, choreographer Jonathan Watkins 1984 is an awe-inspiring retelling of George Orwells masterpiece. Winston Smith lives in a world of absolute conformity, his every action scrutinized by Big Brother. However, when Winston meets Julia, he dares to rebel by falling in love. Danced by Northern Ballet the UKs foremost narrative ballet company to a score by Tony-nominated composer Alex Baranowski, this thoroughly modern take on 1984 will change the way you think about ballet. Batley [Winston Smith] and Leebolt [Julia] are excellent, their bodies as vividly present as their faces are haunted. At the chilling end, we realise not only how intently we have been watching, but also that we too may be watched. (Sanjoy Roy, The Guardian) ""This is gripping storytelling"" (The Stage) ""..an ambitious, compelling and, ultimately, moving new ballet. Even more powerful are the intimate duets for Winston and Julia, verboten lovers who are dancing on a metaphorical razor's edge. Thinking themselves free of the gaze of Big Brother, they give themselves to each other with a genuinely moving passion, which is danced gorgeously by Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt"" (The Daily Telegraph)

Jonathan Watkins 1984 is an awe-inspiring retelling of George Orwells masterpiece

1984

A brilliant double bill from The Royal Ballet featuring Cathy Marston’s The Cellist, and a joyful revival of Jerome Robbins’ 1972 dance showcase, Dances at The Gathering.  

The Cellist is inspired by the moving true story of cello superstar Jacqueline du Pré, whose career was suddenly cut short by her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Choreographer Cathy Marston delicately weaves du Pre’s passionate story into a piece that has been hailed as a ‘joyfully giddy tribute’ (The Guardian). In Marston’s masterful interpretation, du Pré’s cello ( Marcelino Sambé) comes to life as steady dance partner and a faithful first love, even as du Pré (Lauren Cuthbertson) falls madly in love with conductor Daniel Barenboim (Matthew Ball).

The ultimate piano solo ballet, Jerome Robbins’ Dances at The Gathering is a pure dance showcase.  Set to Chopin’s beloved piano music, this modern classic features five couples dancing in a series of breathtaking pas de deux and effervescent ensemble numbers, no plots, no roles, just dancers, music, and movement.

A brilliant double bill from The Royal Ballet featuring Cathy Marston’s The Cellist, and a joyful revival of Jerome Robbins’ 1972 dance showcase, Dances at The Gathering. Watch now.

Dances at a Gathering - The Cellist

Recommendations

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

The Washington Ballet

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