Why Le Corsaire is a ballet that sparks joy

It’s pure escapism.

Want to escape to warmer climes? From the moment the curtain rises you’ll be transported to a faraway land, and discover a rollicking adventure full of drama and romance.

Choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes, designer Bob Ringwood and lighting designer Neil Austin have created “a magnificent fantasy world” (The Daily Mail) that’ll make you forget about the cold weather.

Find out about the story and its characters here.

‘Whoa! How’d they do that?’

Le Corsaire is packed with jaw-dropping dancing, tricky variations and virtuoso moments, with the male dancers getting lots of time in the spotlight.

Thirty-two fouettés? Check. Barrel turns? Check. Jumps en pointe? Check. The list of could go on and on – but here’s a list of ten dazzling moves to look out for.

You can brag that you’ve seen it

Since its premiere in Milton Keynes in 2013, English National Ballet has been invited to perform it in Madrid, Singapore, Oman, Tokyo and even Palais Garnier, the home of Paris Opera Ballet – a real honour for the company. There’s even a documentary about that.

It’s tutu fabulous

All this amazing dancing, done by real humans in glorious technicolor: now that will leave you walking out of the theatre with a big smile on your face.

Read how audiences have left the theatre after seeing this epic production.

Watch Le Corsaire on English National Ballet’s Ballet on Demand.