2025/2026 Season Announcement

We’re thrilled to share our dynamic programme, opening up the possibilities for audiences of all ages to experience ballet.  

Read on to find out more… 

Watch the trailer for our 2025/2026 Season

At English National Ballet, we believe in the boundless emotional power of dance to move more people, in more ways. Alongside works that honour tradition and drive innovation, we offer a wide-ranging programme of creative learning and participation. So however you choose to connect with us, we invite you to ‘feel more’ with ENB.”

Aaron S. Watkin, English National Ballet's Artistic Director

Our 2025/2026 season includes: 

• Our first performances of works by Martha Graham and Crystal Pite 
• A world premiere from rising choreographic talent, Kameron N. Saunders  
• The revival of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty, with national tour and first Royal Albert Hall performances  
• Increased national touring, with new, innovative programme traveling to Theatre Royal Plymouth 
• The first performances of Akram Khan’s Giselle at the London Coliseum  
• An extensive programme of creative health, learning and participation opportunities. 

Performances for the 2025/2026 Season

R:Evolution 

Four visionary creators. Decades of innovation. A breadth of emotions. 

R:Evolution opens our season in October at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, and brings together works from George Balanchine, Martha Graham, William Forsythe and David Dawson. The programme celebrates the dynamism of creative evolution, showcasing four pieces that have the power to ignite emotions.  

It opens with Balanchine’s dazzling Theme and Variations and Graham’s visceral Errand into the Maze. Forsythe’s classic Herman Schmerman (Quintet) follows, and closing the programme is Dawson’s transcendent Four Last Songs. 

The Sleeping Beauty 

Later in autumn, Sir Kenneth MacMillian’s spellbinding production of The Sleeping Beauty travels to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre, Manchester’s Palace Theatre and Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre. 

Audiences will be treated to all that is grand, gleaming and gorgeous in a stunning version of one of the world’s favourite stories. This lavish spectacle is heightened by Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. 

In summer 2026, the production makes its premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, London (25-28 June). 

Cunard is UK Tour Week Production Sponsor for performances of The Sleeping Beauty in Liverpool. 

Nutcracker

Following sell-out performances in 2024, this Christmas English National Ballet’s acclaimed Nutcracker returns, 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, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. 

English National Ballet will present an audio-described performance of Nutcracker, at the London Coliseum, on Saturday 20 December 2.30pm, and a relaxed performance on Thursday 8 January at 1pm. 

Charles Holloway OBE is the Lead Supporter of Nutcracker. 

Akram Khan’s Giselle 

Akram Khan’s Giselle celebrates its 10th anniversary with its first performances in the West End, at the London Coliseum in January 2026.  

The phenomenal success of this production has seen it tour to 11 countries and 17 cities around the world since its 2016 premiere. Khan’s iconic take on the tragic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption features an imposing set from Academy Award-winner Tim Yip and powerful score by Vincenzo Lamagna.  

English National Ballet will present an audio-described performance at the London Coliseum on Saturday 17 January at 2.30pm. 

Body & Soul 

In March 2026, we return to London’s Sadlers Wells Theatre with Body & Soul – a double bill of powerful works which go to the very core of the human experience.  

This programme opens with the UK premiere of Body and Soul (Part 1) from boundary-pushing choreographer Crystal Pite. Alongside this is a world premiere from rising talent and acclaimed commercial dancer Kameron N. Saunders, whose recent work includes performing with Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan. Tickets go on sale in autumn 2025. 

Body & Soul then travels to Theatre Royal Plymouth in late April, demonstrating our commitment to broadening access to new and innovative work. Tickets go on sale soon.  

My First Ballet

For younger audiences, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School return to London’s Peacock Theatre in April 2026, with My First Ballet.

This specially adapted series of productions includes a narrator to guide the audience, making it accessible to children as young as three. The run will include a relaxed performance and a BSL Interpreted performance, as well as a series of family workshops to extend the audience experience. 

Tickets go on sale in autumn. 

Emerging Dancer 

Returning in spring 2026, Emerging Dancer shines a light on rising talent throughout the Company, with finalists showcasing their dedication and artistry. The event will be available to stream for digital audiences. 

Music 

English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. Music Director, Maria Seletskaja, conducts the English National Philharmonic across our 2025/2026 season. She will be joined by Principal Guest Conductor Gavin Sutherland as well as Alec Frank Gemmill, Dominic Grier, Kingsley Lin, Martin West and Judith Yan. 

ENB’s Engagement Programme 

Our industry-leading creative health, learning and participation opportunities continue to inspire participants, audience members, creators and performers with our productions. Across the year, ENB connects with tens of thousands of adults, children and young people through this work.  

In 2025/2026, our Dance Health programmes, Dance for Parkinson’s and Dance for Dementia, will be delivered at our studios in East London, nationally, and online. Alongside this, our inclusive work with schools, children and young people will offer unique opportunities to inspire the imagination and explore our productions.  

At our home, the Mulryan Centre for Dance, wide-ranging activity will include: youth dance talent development programmes ENBYouthCo-nnect and ENBYouthCo; artist support initiatives to nurture creative development; our annual dance talent showcase Re-Play, and Dance Classes for All. 

Ballet Futures 

Continuing throughout 2025/26 is Ballet Futures – our talent pipeline project to incentivise children from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds (African Diaspora, Caribbean, South Asian and South East Asian heritage) to participate in professional training. Ballet Futures now supports 35 students across five schools nationally. Following the success of selected students performing in our 2024 Nutcracker, next season will see further performance opportunities for the programme’s participants. 

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.