English National Ballet Tickets

English National Ballet Shows in London

The English National Ballet is one of the UK's leading ballet companies, known for bringing classical and contemporary dance to audiences across the UK and around the world. The company performs regularly at major London venues, including the London Coliseum and Royal Albert Hall. Lovers of dance can also explore the Royal Ballet & Opera.

Founded in 1950, the company was established by ballet stars Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin alongside impresario Julian Braunsweg. Originally known as Gala Performances of Ballet, it later became Festival Ballet and then London Festival Ballet before adopting the name English National Ballet in 1989. The company has its own orchestra, the English National Ballet Philharmonic, and is one of Europe's leading touring ballet companies.

The Company's Beginnings

The British dance couple Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin founded the company in 1950 alongside impresario Julian Braunsweg. Beginning as Gala Performances of Ballet, the company soon became Festival Ballet and then London Festival Ballet. Touring was at the heart of the company's plans from the beginning, with its first performances taking place in Southsea before a season in Bournemouth.

Markova and Dolin were both leading dancers who had previously performed with the Ballets Russes and later became principal dancers with Ninette de Valois's Vic-Wells Ballet, which eventually became The Royal Ballet. After leaving in 1935, they performed together as the Markova-Dolin Company before going on to establish their own touring ballet company.

The company built a reputation as a major touring ballet company, performing extensively across the UK and internationally. It began performing at the London Coliseum in 1969 and later became known for large-scale productions at the Royal Albert Hall, including Derek Deane's Swan Lake in the round.

Peter Schaufuss became Artistic Director in 1984 and helped shape a new era for the company. During his tenure, the company was rebranded to reflect its national reach, while he also founded the English National Ballet School. The school was established in 1988 and operates independently from the ballet company.

In 1989, the company officially adopted the name English National Ballet. Tamara Rojo became Artistic Director and Lead Principal in 2012, bringing new works and choreographers into the repertoire while continuing the company's tradition of classical ballet.

Today, English National Ballet continues to combine classical repertoire with contemporary works, bringing ballet to audiences in London and beyond. Explore upcoming performances and book English National Ballet tickets for an unforgettable night of dance.