World Ballet Day with English National Ballet

World Ballet Day was founded in 2014 by some of the world's top ballet companies, in order to celebrate this beautiful artform and provide some insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes. 

The global online event has grown every year since, with more and more companies contributing to the celebration.  

World Ballet Day in 2020 is on Thursday 29 October. We will be streaming a Company class, and a rehearsal, on our English National Ballet Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Don't miss this chance to experience a day in the life of an ENB Dancer, including Lead Principals Joseph Caley and Isaac Hernández, and Principal Shiori Kase (all pictured here). 

Every day for our dancers begins with class in our studios. Coached by our Ballet Masters and Ballet Mistresses, they will start at the barre, and later move into the centre. 

Daily class is an opportunity to work on technique, and to prepare mentally and physically for the rehearsals or performances that will take place later in the day. 

In 2020, class is a little different that usual, as it is held for small "bubbles" of dancers. 

On World Ballet Day, you can watch a small group of ENB dancers take class from our beautiful studios on London City Island in East London. 

This World Ballet Day, you'll also have the chance to gain unique insight into rehearsals for ENB's specially created festive performance for 2020.

Nutcracker Delights is a whirlwind tour of the beloved Christmas ballet's most iconic scenes. 

Rehearsals and performances look a bit different this year, with bubbles of dancers and socially distanced audiences.

But we are delighted to still be bringing the festive magic of Nutcracker to the stage!

See Lead Principal Erina Takahashi (pictured here in a past Nutcracker production as the Sugar Plum Fairy with fellow Lead Principal Francesco Gabriele Frola) in rehearsal as she prepares for the upcoming season of Nutcracker Delights. 

Erina has danced the leading roles in Nutcracker many times, and seeing her perform the festive favourite is always a treat. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see her creative process in rehearsal! 

You'll also have the opportunity to see First Soloist Aitor Arrieta in rehearsal for Nutcracker Delights. 

Aitor is pictured here as the Lead Flower in a past Nutcracker production, and has also played the role of the Nephew/Prince.  

We are also fortunate to see First Soloist James Streeter in rehearsal for Nutcracker Delights. 

James is pictured here (always recognisable for his brilliant acting even when hidden behind this mask!) as the wicked Mouse King.