11 productions, 13 venues and 159 performances in a year of bold creations and classic stories. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet have today announced details of their sparkling new 2018-19 season.
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2018/19 season weaves a series of enduring stories into dance, bringing them to life for a modern world. The timeless beauty of a ballerina silhouetted in the wings, the electrifying thrill of daring dance, the swell of strings in a darkened theatre; these are the almost indescribable moments when hearts race, imaginations ignite and memories are made. Be inspired and moved by the evocative power of ballet, in a world Beyond Words season.
From the perpetual sunshine of Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée (26 Sep – 29 Sep), to the storybook fantasy of David Bintley’s Beauty and the Beast (19 Feb – 2 Mar), and the endearing, mischievous fun of Hobson’s Choice (19 – 22 Jun), the full-length ballets of the Beyond Words season capture classic stories loved by all, told in a universal language.Juanjo Arqués and Didy Veldman deliver two of the season’s four world premieres as part of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s pioneering Ballet Now talent development programme. The Fire & Fury mixed programme (3 – 6 October) welcomes back David Bintley’s The King Dances alongside Juanjo Arqués’s Ignite. Inspired by William Turner’s painting ‘The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons’, Ignite will translate vibrant colour into atmospheric choreography, inspiring a symbolic narrative unique to each audience member.

Didy Veldman’s new work for the Company premieres as part of a mixed programme of female choreography, [Un]leashed (12 – 15 Jun). The bill features Jessica Lang’s beautiful Lyric Pieces alongside the world premiere of Petra and the Wolf, an innovative contemporary view of the classic tale choreographed by Birmingham Royal Ballet First Artist, Ruth Brill.

Petra and the Wolf also appears as part of the Company’s new midscale offering, Home from Home. Inspired by Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic fairytale, Petra and the Wolf will blend classical ballet with a fusion of urban influences to create a vibrant, multi-disciplinary production. Petra and the Wolf is accompanied by the world premiere of A Season in Our World, which takes the audience on a journey through a diverse range of music genres and dance traditions from around the world.

Sir Peter Wright’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for the festive season (23 Nov – 13 Dec), transporting the audience beyond the theatre to a realm of giant Christmas trees and dancing snowflakes.  An Evening of Music and Dance at Symphony Hall, Birmingham and the Royal & Derngate, Northampton. This popular annual gala, compered by David Bintley, includes well-loved gems and hidden classics selected by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conductors alongside danced excerpts from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s repertory. Alongside the main programme, Birmingham Royal Ballet continues to introduce new audiences from touring venues across the country to their world-class dance and music. From primary schools to care homes, community centres to museums, the Company unlocks amazing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Younger audience members continue to enjoy Birmingham Royal Ballet’s First Steps programme. These hour-long, interactive shows are specially adapted for children aged 3+. A storyteller captures their imagination, introducing the music, leading characters and some of the technical magic – the perfect introduction to ballet.