A season to ‘feel more’: 2026/27 announcement

Here’s what’s in store for 2026/27:

• Brand-new works from Jae Man Joo and Micaela Taylor
• Our first performances of George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements
• National touring of classics, family favourites and bold contemporary work
• The revival of Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet
• Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
• Johan Inger’s Carmen in London and Canterbury
• Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round marking 30 years at the Royal Albert Hall
• My First Ballet: Cinderella touring towns and cities nationwide
• An extensive programme of creative health, learning and participation opportunities

“Dance has the emotional power to move, creating space for multiple perspectives, reactions and experiences. In 2026/27 we invite you 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.”

– Aaron S. Watkin, English National Ballet’s Artistic Director

Performances for the 2026/27 Season

Rhythm Riot

Three worlds, one stage: explosive energy, deep resonance, unstoppable drive.

Our season opens with Rhythm Riot at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London in September. This dynamic triple bill brings together works from George Balanchine, Jae Man Joo and Micaela Taylor, with music performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

We perform Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements for the first time, alongside the world premieres of Joo’s Auguries of Innocence – drawing on William Blake’s poem of the same name – and Taylor’s Bow Out, inspired by the pulse and energy of the 1930’s jazz scene.

Find out more.

Romeo & Juliet

In autumn 2026, we take Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet on a national tour, visiting Liverpool’s Empire Theatre, Manchester’s Palace Theatre, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, and the London Coliseum, where it originally premiered in 1977.

This signature production captures Shakespeare’s heart-breaking tale with burning intensity. From love at first sight to the final devastating embrace, the iconic story comes alive on stage, with English National Ballet Philharmonic performing Prokofiev’s enthralling score live.

Cunard is UK Tour Sponsor for Romeo & Juliet.

Find out more.

Nutcracker

Our sugar-spun favourite Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum this winter, choreographed by Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith.

Join Clara on her fantastical journey of discovery, from Edwardian London to the Land of Sweets & Delights. Nutcracker is brought to life by exquisite dancing, spectacular costumes and sets by Dick Bird, and Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable music.

Audiences will also be able to feel the magic of Nutcracker anywhere, anytime, as the production is released to our streaming platform Ballet on Demand.

Charles Holloway OBE is the Lead Supporter of Nutcracker.

Find out more.

Carmen

With its intense drama and iconic music, Carmen never ceases to thrill. Johan Inger’s fresh take on the classic tale is back in April 2027, with performances at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London before its first national tour to the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.

This bold reimagining takes us deep into the passions and dark undercurrents of the original story, blending classical and contemporary movement to striking effect. Menace and foreboding loom over the stage, thanks to additional music by Marc Alvarez which complements Bizet and Shchedrin’s classic score.

Cunard is Production Sponsor for performances at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London.

Find out more.

My First Ballet: Cinderella

For younger audiences, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School travel to towns and cities across the country with My First Ballet: Cinderella, choreographed by George Williamson.

This magical ballet visits Oxford, York, Shrewsbury, Manchester and London in spring 2027. Following a nature-loving Cinderella on a journey of self-discovery – with a narrator to guide the story – it’s specially created for children aged three and up.

Dates in London include a relaxed performance and a BSL Interpreted performance, as well as a series of family workshops to extend the audience experience.

Swan Lake in-the-round

We close the season in June 2027 with a spectacular celebration as Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round marks its 30th anniversary.

The Royal Albert Hall is transformed into a magical lakeside, with 60 swans, choreography unfolding in the round, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score bringing the story of Odette and Odile to life.

Find out more.

Music

English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, bringing a powerful richness and depth to our performances. Music Director, Maria Seletskaja, conducts across our 2026/27 season, and is joined by Principal Guest Conductor Gavin Sutherland as well as David Briskin, Benjamin Haemhouts, Alec Frank-Gemmill and Benjamin Pope.

Guest Artists and Repetiteurs

This season we welcome world-class talent to perform with the company: Associate Guest Artist Ksenia Ovsyanick (former English National Ballet Soloist and Staatsballett Berlin Principal) in Rhythm Riot and Romeo & Juliet (London Coliseum); Paris Opera Ballet Étoile and two-time Prix Benois de la Danse winner Hugo Marchand in Romeo & Juliet (London Coliseum); and Associate Guest Artist Davi Ramos, First Soloist with The Australian Ballet, in Nutcracker. 

We are also delighted to continue welcoming our Associate Guest Repetiteur, Cynthia Harvey, along with Guest Repetiteurs Stephanie Arndt, Yannick Boquin, Manuel Legris, Elisabeth Maurin, and Alejandro Parente, to support our dancers throughout the season.

Our Engagement programme

Through our engagement, creative learning and participation, we connect with tens of thousands of adults, children and young people each year – in schools, on tour and in our local communities.

Our sector leading Dance for Parkinson’s and Dance for Dementia are based at our studios and extend across the UK and online. At the Mulryan Centre for Dance, activity includes youth dance development through Summer Intensives, ENBYouthCo-nnect and ENBYouthCo, Shared Ground artist support, our annual dance showcase Re-Play, Open House and Dance Classes for All.

Connect with us, anytime, anywhere

Our digital content, channels, and platforms bring ballet to audiences anytime, anywhere. BalletActive offers subscribers hundreds of online classes, while Ballet on Demand streams much-loved productions.

A new co-production partnership with Marquee TV will expand the Company’s digital reach, with world-class performances and behind-the-scenes content available through the subscription service for audiences across the globe.

Acknowledgements

English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England.

Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet.

English National Ballet is an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells.