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A dancer in a beige leotard stands on one foot en point, her other foot raised making a triangle against her knee

Three Short Ballets

Our sell-out series Three Short Ballets is back for 2024.

Made up of bite-size ballets, you'll be able to dip your toes into dance from three different creators on one night. From stories re-told to ballet classics.

Fools: A Romeo & Juliet inspired story

Choreography Mthuthuzeli November

  • A captivating twist on Romeo and Juliet from the Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November.
  • Inspired by R.L. Peteni's South African novel Hill of Fools, this ballet tells a tale of bitter rivalry between two villages.
  • November creates powerful and emotive works that fuse ballet with other dance styles.
  • He previously wowed audiences with Wailers in our 2022 Three Short Ballets program.

Four Last Songs

Choreography Rudi van Dantzig

  • Created in 1977 by Dutch ballet pioneer Rudi van Dantzig, Four Last Songs is a breathtaking expression of love, loss, and the beauty of the human experience.
  • He was was known for his musical and moving style so expect impressive lifts, turns and jumps, performed to perfection.
  • The music is by Richard Strauss’ and combines classical music and a single soprano voice – it has been described as a ‘touchingly beautiful’
  • This will be the first time Four Last Songs has been performed in the UK, in over 10 years so you can be one of the first to see it here.

Title: To be announced

Choreography Kristen McNally

  • The final piece in the line-up is a new ballet by dancer and choreographer Kristen McNally
  • McNally is a Principal Character Artist of The Royal Ballet, where she has danced many roles and also choreographs
  • The new ballet will see McNally work with two Northern Ballet dancers and Joe Powell-Main, a disabled dancer who uses wheels and crutches
  • This will be an unmissable collaboration of innovation, inclusivity and excellence

Under 30s Night

Under 30s night in Leeds to be announced soon.

What to expect from Three Short Ballets

A Night of Variety: From re-imagined classics to groundbreaking premières, Three Short Ballets promises a mix of works that caters to every dance enthusiast, even those new to ballet.

Top-tier Choreographers: This eclectic programme is the perfect opportunity to experience the work of some of the most talented choreographers of our time.

When it's gone it's gone: Each Three Short Ballets programme has a limited run in Leeds and London only so don't miss out and see them while you can!

Header image featuring dancer Sarah Chun, taken by Guy Farrow.

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