Open House Festival 2026
Overview
See the inner workings of a professional ballet company, experience the magic of live dance and music, get up close to costumes and so much more. Feel more curious with the Open House Festival at English National Ballet this Autumn.
Why come to Open House?
Open House Festival is back at the Mulryan Centre for Dance!
Returning for a third consecutive year we’re inviting you to see behind the curtain at the inner workings of a ballet company and join us for a free open day this September.
Learn about the history and heritage of the company, get up close with the award-winning architecture of the building, watch insightful rehearsals and experience the power of dance.
What’s on?
We have a range of activities offering you more chances to get involved than ever before.
All bookings are done through Open House Festival website and booking will open on Wednesday 19 August, so be sure to check back to secure your spot on a tour then.
See the Company in action!
See our production studio in action and hear from English National Ballet Artists at the following times throughout the day:
- 10:00 Company Class
- 11:15 Dancer Rehearsal (With BSL Interpretation)
- 12:15 Dancer Rehearsal
- 13:30 ENB Philharmonic Orchestra
These events are drop in only (not bookable) and at busy periods there may be a queue to attend. Our staff and volunteers will keep you updated with estimated waiting times throughout the day but we cannot offer guaranteed entry due to demand for our ‘See the Company in action’ events.
Guided Tours
Book for a free tour to go behind the scenes of our RIBA Award winning dance house. Six guided tours run throughout the day and last for one hour.
Booking for these tours opens on Wednesday 19 August, midday via the Open House website here. Capacity is extremely limited, so set your alarms!
Tour timings:
- 10:45
- 11:45
- 13:00 (BSL Interpreted)
- 14:00
- 14:15
- 15:15
BSL Interpretation – Please book onto our 13:00 tour if you or a member of your group will benefit from BSL (British Sign Language) Interpretation. If you require more information or have any access queries, please contact engagement@ballet.org.uk.
Move with us: Dance Workshops
Put on your dancing shoes and join in on one of our dance workshops. From family dance classes, to adult ballet sessions and a Bhangra Ceilidh there’s something for all ages and experience levels…
Family Dance Class
Recommended age: 3 – 7 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Times: 13:00 and 14:00
Children and their grown-up can enjoy a dance workshop, accompanied by a live musician, in a warm and welcoming environment. No dance experience needed, everyone’s welcome to enjoy the magic of dance here.
Booking for this workshop opens on Wednesday 19 August, midday via the Open House website here.
Adult Ballet Class
Age: 18+
Level: Open level
Time: 14:00
Step into our world-class studios this September and enjoy a ballet class lead by an expert associate artist, accompanied by live music. Wear comfy clothes suitable for moving and bring an enthusiasm to dance the afternoon away!
Booking for this workshop opens on Wednesday 19 August, midday via the Open House website here.
Bhangra Ceilidh with English Folk Dance and Song Society
Ages: All ages
Level: All experience levels welcome – no dance experience necessary!
Time: 15:00
Learn some new moves, take to the floor or simply enjoy the atmosphere, with our celebratory Bhangra Ceilidh and live band in our production studio.
No booking necessary for this event, just join in.
Open all day: Exhibitions and demos
- Get up close with the history of the Company, see beautiful costumes and find out more about what it takes to run a ballet Company with our exhibitions.
- Wigs and make-up demos from our expert team will be happening throughout the day.
- Take part in our arts and crafts inspired by our upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet.
These are open all day and no booking is required. Just drop in, have a look and get involved!
FAQs
Open House Festival at English National Ballet is completely free of charge!
No booking necessary for this event, just drop in.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes early for the start of the Bhangra Ceilidh, around 2:45pm. All ages and experience levels welcome – no dance experience necessary!
To join in a Family Dance Class or Adult Ballet Class you must book in advance of the day.
All bookings are administered through the Open House website here and spaces open on Wednesday 19 August, at midday.
All of our dance workshops at Open House Festival are free of charge.
Booking for a guided tour of English National Ballet’s website is done through the Open House Website.
Booking opens on Wednesday 19 August, midday via the Open House website here. Capacity is extremely limited, so set your alarms!
Tours run throughout the day at the following times and last for one hour:
- 10:45
- 11:45
- 13:00 (BSL Interpreted)
- 14:00
- 14:15
- 15:15
BSL Interpretation – Please book onto our 13:00 tour if you or a member of your group will benefit from BSL (British Sign Language) Interpretation. If you require more information or have any access queries, please contact engagement@ballet.org.uk.
At Open House Festival 2026 you can see English National Ballet Company Dancers and Artists in action throughout the day, however these events are drop in only (not bookable) and at busy periods there may be a queue to attend.
Our staff and volunteers will keep you updated with estimated waiting times throughout the day but we cannot offer guaranteed entry due to demand for our ‘See the Company in action’ events.
You’ll be able to see the Company in action at the following times:
10:00 Company Class
11:15 Dancer Rehearsal (With BSL Interpretation)
12:15 Dancer Rehearsal
13:30 ENB Philharmonic Orchestra
