The UK has one of the richest dance cultures in the world. From the classical splendour of the Royal Ballet to the boundary-pushing contemporary work at venues like Sadler's Wells, there is an extraordinary range of dance and ballet to enjoy throughout the year. Whether you are a lifelong dance lover or curious to experience your first ballet, this guide will help you find the best performances across the country.
Classical ballet in the UK
The Royal Ballet, London
Based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the Royal Ballet is one of the world's foremost ballet companies. Its repertoire spans the great classical ballets, from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Giselle through to twentieth-century masterworks by Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan. The company also commissions new work from contemporary choreographers, keeping its programming fresh and relevant. Seeing the Royal Ballet perform in the magnificent Royal Opera House auditorium is a genuinely thrilling experience.
Ticket prices range widely, and the upper amphitheatre offers surprisingly good views at more affordable prices. The Royal Opera House also streams selected performances to cinemas across the UK, which is an excellent alternative if you cannot visit in person.
English National Ballet
English National Ballet is headquartered at London City Island in east London but tours extensively across the UK. The company performs a mix of beloved classics and bold new productions, often in large-scale venues like the London Coliseum and Sadler's Wells. English National Ballet's annual season of The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum has become a cherished festive tradition.
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Based at the Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is a world-class company with a distinctive artistic identity. Its repertoire includes classical staples alongside works specifically created for the company. The Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the UK's finest dance venues, with excellent sightlines and facilities.
Scottish Ballet, Glasgow
Scotland's national ballet company is based at the Tramway arts centre in Glasgow and tours throughout Scotland and beyond. Scottish Ballet has earned a reputation for creative risk-taking, blending classical technique with contemporary sensibilities. Its productions often feature striking design and innovative staging.
Contemporary dance venues and companies
Sadler's Wells, London
Sadler's Wells in Islington is the UK's leading dance house, programming an extraordinary range of work from across the globe. Its main auditorium seats 1,500 people, while the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio hosts smaller-scale work. Any given month at Sadler's Wells might include flamenco, hip hop, kathak, contemporary ballet, and experimental performance. If you are curious about dance in any form, this is the venue to explore.
The Place, London
The Place on Euston Road is home to the London Contemporary Dance School and the Robin Howard Dance Theatre. It is a hub for contemporary dance in the UK, hosting performances, workshops, and festivals. The theatre is intimate, seating around 300 people, and the programming focuses on emerging and mid-career contemporary choreographers.
DanceXchange, Birmingham
Located in the Birmingham Hippodrome complex, DanceXchange is a leading dance development organisation that also presents a programme of performances. It champions diverse dance forms and supports emerging artists in the Midlands and beyond.
Dance festivals across the UK
Several major dance festivals offer concentrated periods of outstanding performance:
- Dance Umbrella is London's annual international dance festival, usually held in October, featuring performances at venues across the capital
- Edinburgh International Festival includes world-class dance in its programme each August
- Resolution! at The Place in January and February showcases short works by emerging choreographers over several weeks
- Spring Loaded at The Place presents new work by established and mid-career dance artists
Tips for enjoying dance and ballet
If you are new to ballet, start with a well-known classical production like Swan Lake or The Nutcracker. The stories are easy to follow, the music is magnificent, and the choreography showcases the art form at its most spectacular. For contemporary dance, read the programme notes, which often provide helpful context about what the choreographer is exploring.
Dress codes at most dance venues are relaxed. You do not need to wear formal attire unless you want to. Arrive in good time, as dance performances often start promptly, and many companies do not admit latecomers until a suitable break.
For more performing arts recommendations, explore our guide to opera houses in the UK or see our guide to West End shows in London. Browse the Tickts homepage to find dance events near you.
Dance seasons and touring schedules change regularly. Check each company's or venue's website for the latest programme and booking information.
