The English National Ballet 2023-2024 season, the first one programmed by incoming Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin, has just been announced.
This season will also see the continued national and international distribution of Creature, a collaboration between English National Ballet, Academy Award winning director Asif Kapadia and Akram Khan. Hailed as “a new frontier for cinema” (Little White Lies) Creature will also join Ballet on Demand May 22, 2023.
English National Ballet 2023-2024 Season Trailer
English National Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule
Our Voices | September 21-30, 2023
Sadler’s Wells
- Theme and Variations by George Balanchine
- Les Noces by Andrea Miller
- Four Last Songs by David Dawson
This triple bill features three distinct styles of dance which will highlight the company’s diversity.
Our Voices sees the world premiere of a new interpretation of Les Noces by American choreographer Andrea Miller with artwork 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.
Returning to English National Ballet for the first time in fiftenn years, one of the world’s leading neo-classical choreographers, David Dawson presents the world premiere of his latest creation Four Last Songs which explores the beauty of humanity and the circle of life, set to the final score by Richard Strauss.
“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.” – David Dawson
Completing the program 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.
Giselle | October 19-21, 2023 + October 26-28, 2023
Palace Theatre, Manchester + Bristol Hippodrome
- Giselle by Akram Khan
Having been seen by over 140,000 people in 10 countries and 16 cities around the world, Akram Khan’s Giselle returns with performances on tour this autumn. In this acclaimed reimagining of the classic ballet, it tells the story of love, betrayal, and redemption, with an imposing set designed by Academy Award-winner Tim Yip.
The Nutcracker | November 30 – December 2, 2023 + December 14 – January 7, 2024
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton + London Coliseum
- The Nutcracker by Wayne Eagling
The magic of Christmas returns this festive season with Nutcracker on tour in Sothampton and London. Continuing English National Ballet’s tradition of presenting a version of Nutcracker every year since 1950, this production has already been seen be over 800,000 people, bringing joy to audiences young and old.
Giselle | January 11-21, 2024
London Coliseum
- Giselle by Mary Skeaping
Offering audiences the chance to see two versions of one of the great romantic ballets in the same season, Mary Skeaping’s production of Giselle returns to the London Coliseum. With its classical language, Giselle features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images.
Carmen | March 27 – April 6, 2024
Sadler’s Wells
- Carmen by Johan Inger
The UK Premiere of Johan Inger’s award-winning Carmen was originally created for Spain’s Compañía Nacional de Danza. The tragic love story of Carmen, Don Jose and the Toreador is 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 this classic tragedy from Inger, whose work is rarely seen in the UK.
Swan Lake in-the-round | June 12-23, 2024
Royal Albert Hall, London
- Swan Lake in-the-round by Derek Deane
One of the biggest spectacles in ballet, Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round returns to the Royal Albert Hall. 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.
This season will also see the continued national and international distribution of Creature, a collaboration between English National Ballet, Academy Award winning director Asif Kapadia and Akram Khan. Hailed as “a new frontier for cinema” (Little White Lies) Creature will also join Ballet on Demand on 22 May 2023.
Featured Photo for the English National Ballet 2023-2024 Season of the company in The Nutcracker. Photo © Laurent Liotardo.
