Background

Steeped in History

Ballet has a rich history in London, England, and is home to several world-renowned ballet companies and venues.

Perhaps the most notable ballet company in London is the Royal Ballet, which is based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet is one of the world’s leading classical ballet companies and has produced many famous dancers, such as Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, and Darcey Bussell.

Another well-known ballet company in London is the English National Ballet, which is based at the London Coliseum. The English National Ballet is known for its diverse repertoire, which includes both classical ballets and contemporary works.

The ballet scene in London is diverse, vibrant, and steeped in history, making it a must-visit destination for ballet enthusiasts.

FAQs

London is home to some of the world's most renowned and prestigious ballet companies and schools, making it a hub for ballet performances and training. Here are some reasons why London ballet is particularly special compared to other areas' ballet performances:

Rich history and tradition: London has a storied history of ballet, dating back to the 17th century when ballet was first introduced in England. The Royal Ballet, one of the world's most famous ballet companies, was founded in London in 1931, and its home venue, the Royal Opera House, has been a landmark of the city for centuries.

World-class companies: London is home to several world-class ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Birmingham Royal Ballet. These companies are known for their exceptional technical skill, artistic excellence, and diverse repertoires, which range from classical ballet to contemporary dance.

Top-notch training: London is also home to some of the best ballet schools in the world, including the Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet School. These institutions provide world-class training to aspiring dancers, producing some of the most talented and skilled dancers in the world.

Innovation and experimentation: London's ballet scene is known for its experimentation and innovation, with many choreographers and companies pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet and exploring new forms and styles of dance. This has led to the creation of some of the most exciting and groundbreaking works in the ballet world.

Cultural diversity: London is a multicultural city, and its ballet scene reflects this diversity. Ballet companies and schools in London often feature dancers from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, making for a more inclusive and diverse ballet community.

Those points alone make a trip to a future performance a must!

There are several venues in London where you can see ballet performances. Here are some of the most popular ones and the types of events they typically host:

Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera House, located in Covent Garden, is home to the Royal Ballet and hosts a range of ballet performances throughout the year, from classic full-length ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" to contemporary works by choreographers such as Wayne McGregor and Christopher Wheeldon.

Sadler's Wells: Sadler's Wells is a world-renowned venue for dance, including ballet. The theatre presents a diverse programme of dance, including classic ballets, contemporary works, and experimental productions. Sadler's Wells is also home to the English National Ballet, and you can often see performances by this company at the theatre.

London Coliseum: The London Coliseum is the home of the English National Ballet and hosts a range of ballet performances throughout the year, from classic ballets like "Giselle" and "Romeo and Juliet" to more contemporary works. The theatre also hosts ballet galas, which feature a range of dancers and choreographers from around the world.

Peacock Theatre: The Peacock Theatre is a venue for dance, including ballet, located in Holborn. The theatre hosts a range of dance productions throughout the year, including classic ballets, contemporary works, and family-friendly productions.

The Place: The Place is a contemporary dance centre located in Euston. The centre hosts a range of dance performances, including ballet, by emerging and established choreographers. The Place is also home to the London Contemporary Dance School.

These are just a few of the many venues in London where you can see ballet performances. Each venue has its own unique atmosphere and programming, so be sure to check their websites to see what's on offer when you're in town!

Here are three popular options:

The Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera House is the home of the Royal Ballet and is one of the most iconic and prestigious venues for ballet performances in London. You can purchase tickets for Royal Ballet performances online through the Royal Opera House website or in person at the box office.

English National Opera: The English National Ballet performs at the London Coliseum, which is also the home of the English National Opera. You can purchase tickets for English National Ballet performances through the ENO website or in person at the box office.

Sadler's Wells Theatre: Sadler's Wells Theatre is a world-renowned venue for contemporary dance and ballet performances. The theatre hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, including performances by international ballet companies. You can purchase tickets for Sadler's Wells performances through the theatre's website or in person at the box office.

Other options for purchasing ballet tickets in London include Ticketmaster, See Tickets, and the individual websites of other theatres and performance venues around the city.

It's always a good idea to book tickets in advance as popular shows can sell out quickly!

Whether or not it is appropriate to bring a young child to a ballet performance in London, England depends on several factors, including the age of the child, the specific ballet being performed, and the policies of the theatre. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

Age restrictions: Many ballet performances may have age restrictions, so it is important to check the policies of the theatre and the specific production before bringing a child. Some ballets may be more suitable for older children or adults due to their length or content.

Behaviour and attention span: It is important to consider the behaviour and attention span of the child when deciding whether or not to bring them to a ballet performance. Young children may become restless or disruptive during a long ballet, which can be distracting to both the performers and other audience members.

Loud noises and flashing lights: Some ballet productions may contain loud noises or flashing lights that can be startling or overwhelming for young children, so it is important to check the content of the ballet before deciding to bring a child.

Etiquette: Ballet performances require a certain level of audience etiquette, including remaining quiet and still during the performance. It is important to make sure that a young child is able to follow these guidelines before bringing them to a ballet.

Children's performances: Some ballet companies offer specific performances or adaptations that are designed for younger audiences. These productions may be more suitable for children and can be a great way to introduce them to ballet.

In general, it is important to use discretion and consider the specific needs of the child and the policies of the theatre when deciding whether or not to bring a young child to a ballet performance in London, England.

The best seats for a live ballet performance can vary depending on the theatre, the specific production, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines to consider when choosing seats for a ballet performance:

Centre seats: Seats in the centre of the auditorium typically provide the best overall view of the stage. These seats offer a balanced perspective and allow you to see the choreography and formations of the dancers from a central vantage point.

Orchestra or stalls: Seats in the orchestra or stalls section, which are located closest to the stage, can provide a more intimate and immersive experience. However, it's important to note that these seats may not be elevated, which can limit visibility if you are seated behind a taller person.

Balcony seats: Seats in the balcony section, which are located higher up and further from the stage, can provide a wider view of the stage and the dancers' formations. These seats can be a good choice for people who want a broader perspective of the production.

Avoid extreme angles: Seats at extreme angles to the stage can result in a partial view or limited perspective of the performance. It's best to avoid seats that are too far to the side or too close to the stage edge.

Consider the size of the theatre: The size of the theatre can also impact seat selection. In smaller venues, seats closer to the stage may provide a more intimate experience, while in larger venues, seats further back may be better to take in the full scope of the production.