London Ballet Tickets
Discover the breathtaking variety of ballet in London, performed by some of the most prestigious companies in the world. The West End is the place to be if you want to watch incredible musicals in London, but you can also enjoy gorgeous dance performances in the capital. Why not try the London Coliseum's acclaimed productions, with music by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky? Or head to the Peacock Theatre and Sadler's Wells where dynamic new work that combines ballet and contemporary dance explodes off the stage.
Boasting stunning sets, beautiful dancing, and soaring music, ballet shows enchant and delight thousands of theatregoers every year, and for many become a tradition to enjoy again and again. Book ballet tickets in London and inspire a joy of dance that will stay with you forever.
1. Giselle: the quintessential romantic ballet returns
Beloved romantic ballet Giselle returns to London this February, just in time for Valentines. With ethereal choreography from Mauritius Petipa and a breathtaking score from Adolphe Adams, this quintessential classical ballet tells the story of a young peasant girl, Giselle, who falls for Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise. When her heart is broken, Giselle dies and joins the ranks of the Willis, the ghosts of betrayed brides who haunt the forest. Performed by the Royal Ballet’s top dancers, Giselle is a poetic blend of romance and heartbreak. Book today!
2. Mayerling: darkness and delirium in a tragic true story
Acclaimed choreographer Sir Kenneth McMillan’s stunning ballet returns to London. Based on a remarkable true story and set to a transcendent score by Franz Liszt, Mayerling is set against the turmoil of the Austro-Hungarian Court. When troubled Crown Prince, Rudolph, stifled by a loveless marriage, becomes obsessed with teenage Baroness Mary Vetsera, their relationship spirals into decadent darkness, radical politics and drug-fueled delirium, culminating in a tragic ending that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
3. English National Ballet: Body & Soul: two stunning premieres
This powerful dance piece pairs the UK premiere of a work by acclaimed choreographer Crystal Pite with a world premiere from rising star Kameron N. Saunders. Pite’s arresting dance show Body & Soul (Part 1) comes to the UK, following a debut in the Netherlands, and explores grief and communication, while Saunders’ brand new work draws on his own lived experiences and delves into themes of judgement, authenticity and identity. Performed by the English National Ballet, you won’t want to miss the stunning collision of these two creative forces.
4. Wayne McGregor: Alchemies: celebrate a choreographic genius
This brand new show celebrates the work of one of the most influential choreographers working today, Sir Wayne McGregor. Alchemies features the world premiere of a currently untitled new ballet from McGregor, alongside two of his critically acclaimed works, Yugen and Untitled, 2023. Yugen is set to Leonard Bernstein’s "Chichester Psalms", and developed with artist Edmund de Waal, while Untitled, 2023 is a collaboration between McGregor and artist Carmen Herrera, who created her only stage designs for the production.
5. My First Ballet: Cinderella: an enchanting intro to dance
Poor Cinderella only wants to go to the ball - but her wicked stepmother strictly forbids it. When she sneaks into the enchanted forest, Cinderella is aided by the spirit of her mother, and finally gets to attend the party. Will she meet her Prince Charming? Specially adapted for younger audiences aged 3+, this show is set to a shortened version of Prokofiev’s score and features a narrator to guide children through the story. Performed by the company of the English National Ballet, My First Ballet: Cinderella is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet for all the family!
6. La fille mal gardee: witty and charming pastoral romance
Spirited young woman Lise is in love with Colas, the farmer. But Lise’s mother, the Widow Simone, hopes to marry her daughter off to the foolish but wealthy Alain, the son of a prosperous local land-owner. Through hijinx, mischief and secret trysts, Lise and Cole must come up with a scheme to secure the happy ending they’re both seeking, and thwart Simone’s meddling. Frederick Ashton’s witty pastoral romance features a score by Ferdinand Hérold, and is the perfect ballet to enjoy this summer season.
7. So Are We: León & Lightfoot: an anniversary and a premiere
Groundbreaking choreographic duo Sol León and Paul Lightfoot return to the Royal Ballet this summer. Their beloved work Shoot the Moon is paired with brand new piece Salle de Dance in this duo of evocative dance shows. Shoot the Moon celebrates its 20th anniversary and explores the fraught relationships of three couples, set to a score by Academy Award nominee Phillip Glass. Salle de Dance premieres the stage adaptation of a previously filmed dance piece developed by the pair in lockdown, inspired by a dancer’s day of ballet classes.
8. The Sleeping Beauty: Macmillan's spellbinding production
Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s seminal production of The Sleeping Beauty makes its Royal Albert Hall debut in summer 2026. When Princess Aurora is cursed by the wicked fairy Carabose, she falls into a deep slumber that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding ballet is brought to life with elegant choreography from the master artiste, that both reveres and expands upon the original choreography by Marius Petipa, performed by the talented company of the English National Ballet. This revival has a strictly limited run - secure your tickets today!
9. The Car Man: Bourne’s sizzling take on Bizet’s masterpiece
Buckle up! Matthew Bourne’s fiery interpretation of Bizet’s masterwork returns to London for a strictly limited run. Bourne’s adaptation draws from Bizet’s original as well as James M. Cain’s novel The Postman Always Rings Twice, transplanting the action to small-town America in the 1960s. Performed by the company of New Adventures, this production first premiered in 2000 and was critically acclaimed, earning an Evening Standard Award and an Olivier nomination. This is Carmen as you’ve never seen it before - book today for this limited revival!
Where can I watch ballet in London?
The English National Ballet is one of the best dance companies in the world, with performances often taking place at the London Coliseum. Theatregoers can watch the company’s productions at the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House, and Sadler’s Wells as well. The latter, along with the Peacock Theatre, are also creative hubs for brand-new work by new and upcoming dance companies and choreographers.
What is the most popular ballet show?
The Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets ever produced, and has played a festive season at the London Coliseum for more than 50 years. It is so popular that is often sells out in advance, and theatregoers book ahead to make sure the whole family can enjoy this iconic show together.
Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s productions are always very popular. His distinctive style often blends dance with other influences such as musical theatre. Some of his most well-known works are Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake which famously had an all-male company of swans, and The Red Shoes.
What should I wear to the ballet in London?
There is no strict dress code for attending ballet shows in London, and you are welcome to wear whatever is most comfortable, including jeans.
Some people like to attend in formal wear, especially if they are seeing an evening performance, gala, or visiting for a special occasion. You are likely to see a wide variety of outfits from casual to dresses and heels, especially for Christmas performances when children may enjoy dressing up.
What children’s ballet shows are in London in 2026?
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre is one of the best dance shows for children and families, and a fantastic introduction to the genre for young theatregoers. Its familiar story and music, festive connotations and playful costumes make it an engaging choice and special experience.
Other dance shows for kids in London often play limited seasons at the Peacock Theatre. These are fun, short versions of classics including Swan Lake and Cinderella.
