English National Ballet (ENB) has unveiled its ambitious 2026-2027 season, centered around the evocative theme "Feel More." Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin has curated a program that balances the grandeur of classical heritage with the electricity of contemporary world premieres, ensuring that ballet remains accessible, inclusive, and emotionally resonant for audiences across the UK.
London Premieres and National Tours
The season launches at Sadler’s Wells in September with Rhythm Riot, a triple bill featuring the Company’s first-ever performance of George Balanchine’s neo-classical masterpiece, Symphony in Three Movements. This high-velocity work is paired with two world premieres: Jae Man Joo’s spiritual Auguries of Innocence, inspired by William Blake, and Micaela Taylor’s jazz-infused Bow Out.
Signature productions will travel nationwide, honoring the Company’s commitment to regional touring. Rudolf Nureyev’s cinematic Romeo & Juliet will visit Liverpool, Manchester, and Southampton before arriving at the London Coliseum in January 2027. This is followed in the spring by Johan Inger’s award-winning, contemporary reimagining of Carmen, which will make its national touring debut in Canterbury.
Family Traditions and Milestone Celebrations
Winter remains a time for tradition with the return of Watkin and Arielle Smith’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. For the youngest fans, My First Ballet: Cinderella will tour several cities, offering a narrated, sensory-friendly introduction to the art form for children as young as three.
The season reaches a spectacular finale in June 2027 with the 30th-anniversary performances of Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round. Transforming the Royal Albert Hall into a shimmering lakeside with 60 swans, this production remains one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the world of dance.
Innovation Beyond the Stage
ENB continues to lead in creative health and talent development. Programs like Dance for Parkinson’s and the Ballet Futures initiative—which supports dancers from underrepresented backgrounds—remain at the heart of the Company’s mission. Digitally, the critically acclaimed Nutcracker will join the "Ballet on Demand" library, and a new partnership with Marquee TV will bring ENB’s world-class performances to a global streaming audience.
