With so many incredible ballets on this Winter season, how on Earth do we decide what to watch and where?! We decided to make your lives a little easier by compiling information about the most exciting ballet shows into one place!
Whether you want to watch The Royal Ballet or one of the less well known (but equally impressive!) companies, we’ve got you covered! Our list covers several companies, shows and locations, ranging from Royal Opera House to New Wimbledon Theatre and everywhere in between. We know it isn’t always easy (or affordable) to travel to the most popular venues, so definitely spread the word about some of these hidden treasures and help more people to experience the wonders of ballet.
Nutcracker
A beautiful festive show, celebrating the beauty of Christmas, childhood imagination and magic! There is only a little bit of time left to catch this show! English National Ballet's performances already concluded on 30th December and the Royal Ballet’s version at the Royal Opera House is now almost fully sold out, with only a handful of seats remaining (last show 15th January), tickets here. However, you can still catch the Russian State Ballet perform this beautiful story on 02nd February at New Wimbledon Theatre. Tickets are available here.
Swan Lake
The iconic Swan Lake is returning to the London Coliseum for a very limited time. English National Ballet will be performing between 03rd to 13th January. It is arguably the most famous and most adored ballet of all time. If you are watching a ballet for the first time, you couldn’t choose a better production. Tchaikovsky’s music is unparalleled, and the costumes and choreography are simply spellbinding. This show truly will transport you to a world of beauty, terror and love. Tickets available here.
If you’ve missed the chance to grab tickets to ENB’s production, or you simply want to check out a different company, then Moscow City Ballet’s production of Swan Lake is not to be missed! Performed in true Russian style, this ballet has consistently been well reviewed across the globe. Moscow City Ballet will perform Swan Lake on 30th and 31st January at Richmond Theatre. Tickets available here.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
For a contemporary take on Swan Lake, check out Matthew Bourne’s version. The female corps-de-ballet are replaced with an all-male ensemble and it is genius. The show turns the conventions of Swan Lake on their head and mesmerises the audience with a new interpretation of the iconic story. It is relevant, emotive and truly captivating. Matthew Bourne has done the impossible in re-imagining Swan Lake, not only is it a remarkable achievement, it is long overdue. The show runs until 27th January at Sadlers Wells, tickets available here.
Manon
English National Ballet brings Manon to the stage for four days only. A dramatic and devastating production based on a controversial novel banned in 1731. A ballet that confronted social norms when it first premiered, it tells the story of an unconventional heroine and her tragic downfall. The ballet is a beautiful mixture of passion, love and tragedy. The Act I bedroom pas de deux is simply perfection! The show runs from 16th – 20th January at London Coliseum. Tickets available here.
Cinderella
The Russian State ballet will perform Cinderella, a narrative ballet centred on an uplifting and moving story of hope and love. This well-known fairy tale is the perfect backdrop for a heart-warming production. The dazzling ballgowns and stunning costumes only add to its appeal. Running for two nights only, on the 31st January and 14th March at New Wimbledon Theatre. Grab your tickets here.
La Fille mal Gardee
The Russian State Ballet brings La Fille Mal Gardee to London this Winter. This is a comic ballet, full of humour, joy and playfulness. It is the perfect blend of dance and entertainment, with beautiful set designs and costumes. The production runs for one night only on 01st February at New Wimbledon Theatre. Tickets are available here.
The Sleeping Beauty
A ballet full of splendour and skill. It is one of the most technically challenging ballets and is completely saturated with beautifully choreographed and well renowned variations including the Lilac Fairy, Aurora’s variation and Bluebird, to name just a few. Moscow City Ballet are bringing this phenomenal production to London, with shows running between 01st and 03rd February at Richmond Theatre, tickets available here.
Don Quixote
The Royal Ballet will no doubt put on a world class and exuberant performance of this upbeat and lively production. The music, costumes, and magnificent scenery will ensure you walk out with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. We would strongly recommend watching Osipova or Nunez in the role of Kitri. Their energy and dynamism make them a perfect fit for this charismatic and charming role. Don Quixote runs at the Royal Opera House between 15th February and 4th April. Tickets available here.
Frankenstein
This March the Royal Ballet will perform this timeless tale of ambition, tragedy, love and remorse. With all the discussions surrounding female choreographers and the need for more female direction and leadership in the dance world, it is the perfect time for ballet to take inspiration from one of the greatest female writers in British history. The trailer does not give much away, but I am sure that the Royal Ballet will not disappoint! Running between 5th and 23rd of March at the Royal Opera House. Tickets available here.
Victoria
Victoria is a co-production between Northern Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada. Choreographed by Cathy Marston, creator of Northern Ballet’s well reviewed Jane Eyre. A production reflecting on the life of one of the most powerful women in history. The show runs between 26th and 30th March at Sadler’s Wells. Tickets are available here.
Romeo and Juliet
The Royal Ballet has performed this production more than 400 times since its premiere in 1965 and it is certainly a cornerstone of 20th Century Ballet repertory. We think Takada and McRae would be the perfect duo for this production, their technical mastery and emotional presence on stage is second to none. The Royal Ballet will perform this epic love story at the Royal Opera House between 26th March and 11th June this year, so there is ample opportunity to catch a performance. Tickets are available here.
We will certainly be checking out a number of these shows and are excited to share our thoughts with you! First up – Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake on 03rd January! Keep an eye on our Instagram @londonballletclasses to find out more!
Watched anything on our list? Let others know how it was by sharing your experience in the comments below!