Featuring two world premieres, a UK premiere, a Company premiere and revivals of some of English National Ballet’s most iconic works, the season celebrates the vast possibility of ballet – forging innovation with ground-breaking new productions while continuing to embrace the great tradition of large scale classical ballet.
Of his first season as Artistic Director of English National Ballet, Aaron S. Watkin said:
Being entrusted to lead this brilliant organisation is a privilege. I am so grateful to be able to show audiences my vision for English National Ballet and share the immense talent and versatility this Company has to offer. By pairing works from some of the greatest classical choreographers with visceral new works by some of the most exciting artists working today, I believe we are showcasing the full potential of this brilliant artform for audiences across the country.
Opening the season at Sadler’s Wells in September is a new triple bill, Our Voices, featuring three ballets in three diverse styles: classical ballet, neo-classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Our Voices sees the world premiere of a new interpretation of Les Noces by American choreographer Andrea Miller with set designs by renowned sculptor Dame Phyllida Barlow. Presented in its centenary year, Les Noces is a visceral piece that sees the dancers joined on stage by a live chorus from Opera Holland Park, accompanied by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Of Les Noces Andrea Miller said “I am thrilled to be creating a new interpretation of the still radical and inexhaustible Les Noces for English National Ballet. Working in the studio with the dancers, Phyllida and the rest of the creative team has been a rich and energizing experience and I look forward to sharing the work with audiences at Sadler’s Wells this fall. Les Noces will begin where The Rite of Spring ends. The chosen one has just been sacrificed, the harvest, abundance and peace that were expected have not come and the fabric of belief that united this community begins to tear. The moral paths and choices ahead are uncertain. The movement takes place in that space”.
Alongside this is the world premiere of Four Last Songs, the latest creation from David Dawson, one of the world’s leading neo-classical choreographers. An uplifting and poignant work, Four Last Songs explores the beauty of humanity and the circle of life, set to the final score by Richard Strauss.
Of Four Last Songs, David Dawson said “I was introduced to Four Last Songs at the age of 19 and it has been a constant presence in my life ever since – through all of my experiences, a true companion. It is an honour for me to be able to create this new ballet to a piece of music that is so close to my heart.”
Completing the programme for Our Voices is Theme and Variations by one of the most influential choreographers in ballet, George Balanchine. New to English National Ballet’s repertoire, Theme and Variations sees 13 couples take to the stage in a beautiful showcase of virtuosity, featuring new set and designs for 2023 by Roberta Guidi di Bagno.
In October, Akram Khan’s Giselle returns with performances in Manchester and Bristol. Having been seen by over 140,000 people in 10 countries and 16 cities around the world, this acclaimed reimagining tells the powerful story of love, betrayal, and redemption, with imposing set designs by Academy Award-winner Tim Yip.
Offering audiences the chance to see two interpretations of the great romantic ballet in the same season, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle returns to the London Coliseum in January. This beautiful production features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images.
The magic of Christmas returns this festive season with Nutcracker on tour in Southampton in November and at the London Coliseum in December. Continuing English National Ballet’s tradition of presenting a Nutcracker every year since 1950, this production has been enjoyed by over 800,000 people to date, bringing joy to audiences young and old.
In March, we return to Sadler’s Wells for the UK Premiere of Johan Inger’s award-winning Carmen, originally created for Spain’s Compañía Nacional de Danza. This two-act ballet is a fresh take on the classic tale of passion and obsession, set to a score by Bizet and Shchedrin with new music from Spanish composer Marc Álvarez. Carmen offers audiences the chance to see a bold reimagining of the famous story from a choreographer whose whose work is rarely seen in the UK.
One of the grandest spectacles in ballet, Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round returns to the Royal Albert Hall in June 2024. Over 100 performers, including 60 dancing swans, bring the classic love story to life on one of the world’s most famous stages. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, Swan Lake in-the-round is perfect for both dedicated fans and first-time ballet goers.
For the first time since 2019, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School present My First Ballet: Swan Lake at the Peacock Theatre over Easter 2024. The perfect introduction to ballet, this specially adapted version is suitable for audiences as young as three. The run will also include a relaxed performance and a series of on-stage family workshops.
Returning in May, Emerging Dancer shines a light on talent throughout the Company and sees the finalists showcase their artistry on stage. The evening also sees the winners of the People’s Choice and Corps de Ballet Award announced.
In addition to our performances, the Company’s activity will engage a wide range of audiences.
Following a successful pilot last year, Ballet Futures, a talent pipeline project to encourage young people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to participate in professional training, continues this year. Alongside schools in Birmingham, East London, Leicester, and West London, Ballet Futures expands to include the Adagio School of Dance in Brentwood, Essex. 2023 also marks the reimagining of ENBYouthCo, now in its 11th year and continuing to nurture talent and creativity through co-creation and performance opportunities.
English National Ballet is an industry leader in creative engagement practice, with pioneering programmes including Dance for Parkinson’s, which this season will be delivered via six national hubs and as an online offer, and Dementia initiative Mindful Movers, delivered in care homes in East London. The season also sees Ballet Explored, our flagship project engaging pupils from secondary schools delivered in areas with low arts provision, and Re-Play, an annual community performance platform for English National Ballet’s Engagement, Youth and Community dance groups from across East London.
Launched as a direct response to the pandemic, English National Ballet’s online platforms, Ballet Active and Ballet on Demand, continue to expand the Company’s reach, offering world-class classes, training and performances to enjoy at home.
Creature, a film collaboration between English National Ballet, Academy Award winning director Asif Kapadia and Akram Khan, will be further released nationally and internationally.
Priority booking opens to Friends of English National Ballet for selected productions from 2 March with general booking from 8 March. Become a Friend and enjoy advance booking, access to exclusive events and discounts.