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English National Ballet have unveiled their 2026-2027 season, which will offer a wide-ranging set of shows to bring in new audiences as well as please existing ones - we’re talking a mix of stone-cold classics and new innovations.
Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin introduced the programme by saying, “Dance has the emotional power to move, creating space for multiple perspectives, reactions and experiences. Our 2026-2027 season offers a range of opportunities. We’re inviting audiences to ‘feel more’ through thought-provoking new works, much-loved classics, and creative learning, participation and digital programmes that reach more people, in more ways.”
Here are a few of the upcoming highlights:
Rhythm Riot
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The season kicks off in September at Sadler’s Wells with Rhythm Riot (24 September – 3 October 2026), a new triple bill. The programme opens with George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements, originally created for New York City Ballet in 1972. Performed by English National Ballet for the first time, the piece features 32 dancers perform the ballet’s three movements, set to Stravinsky’s electrifying score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
The bill is completed by two world premieres: the UK debut of Jae Man Joo and a new work from rising choreographic talent Micaela Taylor. Korean-born choreographer Jae Man Joo creates Auguries of Innocence, inspired by William Blake’s poem of the same name. It is set to the soul-stirring music of Pēteris Vasks. Then Micaela Taylor’s Bow Out closes the programme. Inspired by the 1930s jazz era and scene sensations the Nicholas Brothers, Taylor brings a pulsing new work to English National Ballet’s repertoire. Exploring the idea of vitality and expressive freedom, it features a new score by Tru (Philip Buckner), performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, and conducted by Maria Seletskaja.
Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet
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English National Ballet will be touring their lauded production of Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet, in autumn 2026 before landing at the London Coliseum (14 - 24 January 2027), where it first premiered in 1977. Renowned for its compelling drama and exhilarating choreography, Nureyev’s production will be brought to life with sets and costumes by Ezio Frigerio and Franca Squarciapino.
The Nutcracker
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You can’t have Christmas without Nutcracker at the London Coliseum (17 December - 10 January). Choreographed by Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, audiences join Clara on her fantastical adventure, brought to life by exquisite dancing, spectacular costumes and sets by Dick Bird and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score.
Carmen
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In spring, Johan Inger’s award-winning Carmen returns to the company’s repertoire with performances at Sadler’s Wells (7 - 17 April), before touring nationally. Inger’s reimagining delves beneath the surface of the classic tale of seduction and obsession, fusing classical and contemporary movement. Set to Shchedrin’s arrangement of Bizet’s renowned score, and including additional music by Marc Alvarez to heighten the drama, music is performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, conducted by Maria Seletskaja and Benjamin Haemhouts.
First Ballet: Cinderella
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For younger audiences, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School travel to towns and cities across the country with My First Ballet: Cinderella. This introduction to ballet follows nature-loving Cinderella on a journey of self-discovery, choreographed by George Williamson. Featuring a narrator to guide the audience, the production makes ballet accessible for children as young as three. It will be at the Peacock Theatre in London from 25 March – 3 April 2027, with these dates including sensory adapted and BSL-interpreted performances, touch tour and visual story guides as part of the My First Inclusive Ballet programme, alongside family workshops offering more ways for audiences to connect with ballet.
Swan Lake in-the-round
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English National Ballet’s 2026-2027 season closes with performances of Derek Deane’s spectacular Swan Lake in-the-round, marking its 30th anniversary. From 16 – 27 June 2027, the Royal Albert Hall will be transformed into a magical lakeside, with 60 swans, choreography unfolding in the round, and stunning designs by Peter Farmer, lit by Howard Harrison. Piotr Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score brings the story of Odette and Odile to life, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, and conducted by Music Director Maria Seletskaja and Principal Guest Conductor Gavin Sutherland.
For more information and the full programme head to ballet.org.uk
