Talk Ballet

Talk Ballet (pre-performance talks), are scheduled at every venue where English National Ballet performs as part of the Be Engaged programme. A pre-performance talk is an opportunity to delve deeper into the ballet world.

Talks are given by either members of the Department of Learning or our Archive Consultant and are designed to enhance your understanding of the well-loved classics and to get to grips with lesser known or new ballets. There is also the chance to meet members of English National Ballet’s Artistic team and perhaps even a dancer! If you’ve ever had a burning question about a ballet company, a dancer’s life or the ballet you will see, this is your chance to ask the experts.

Talk Ballet is free and tickets are usually issued at the box office. Ask about pre-performance talks when booking. Subject to scheduling, Talk Ballet is held in the theatre auditorium.

Bristol
Friday 26 March 2010, 6.15pm - 6.45pm
Gain an insight into the creation of Cinderella and find out more about English National Ballet at this Pre-Performance Talk. Free to ticket holders held in the Auditorium. Or to reserve your place, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Manchester
Friday 23 April 2010, 6.15pm - 6.45pm
Gain an insight into the creation of Cinderella and find out more about English National Ballet at this Pre-Performance Talk. Free to ticket holders held in the Auditorium. Or to reserve your place, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Southampton
Friday 30 April 2010, 6.15pm - 6.45pm
Gain an insight into the creation of Cinderella and find out more about English National Ballet at this Pre-Performance Talk. Free to ticket holders held in the Auditorium. Or to reserve your place, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Matinee Mornings

Take a look behind the scenes at English National Ballet and the current production at these special mornings for people aged 16 years plus. Matinee Mornings take place in the theatre and are packed with activities including seeing exquisite costumes close-up, meeting members of the orchestra for a live music presentation and a rare opportunity to watch our outstanding dancers participate in their daily class - bringing you closer to all aspects of the production and the Company. Behind the Scenes Matinee Morning packages often include a subsidised ticket to a schools’ matinee performance later that day.

“Excellently presented by all and very interesting…I have seen the ballet before but will enjoy it all the more having attended this event.”
Behind the Scenes Morning attendee

“One of the best events I have been to recently and a privilege to watch dancers during their morning class.”
Behind the Scenes Morning attendee

Creative Ballet Workshops

The highlight of these events is the thrill of dancing on stage to live music at the theatre where English National Ballet is performing. Workshops cater for young people with no previous dance experience right through to more advanced dancers aged seven to eighteen years. A typical workshop includes a classical ballet warm-up followed by the creative exploration of repertoire from an English National Ballet production. The event also includes behind the scenes activities providing a unique insight into the life of a dancer and the workings of a ballet production. Discounted theatre tickets are often offered as part of this package.

“Learning the 'beggar’s dance' from Manon was fascinating, company class riveting and the chance to see the costumes made me long to wear them!”
Creative Ballet Workshop On-stage participant

Family Events

Family Events are a wonderful opportunity for families to visit the theatre and to take part in engaging and fun activities in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The programme usually includes a practical dance workshop to live musical accompaniment for all ages, a wig/make-up and costume demonstration and the chance to observe English National Ballet’s Company of dancers taking daily class in preparation for performance. Discounted theatre tickets complete the package.

“This was an excellent morning and a rare opportunity to see 'behind the scenes'…it gave my daughter something to aspire to.”
Parent who attended Family Morning

“A fantastic morning – it managed to offer something to all ages.”
Parent who attended Family Morning