Romeo and Juliet on tour, World Ballet Day and midterm camps
By now the new term has settled in. The new leotards are worn in, Saturday class is a habit again, and in studios all over the country the talk has already turned to Christmas shows.
It’s one of the nicest times of the year to love ballet, so here’s what’s coming up, on stage and at home. And if you found us through the giveaway, you’re very welcome.
The Ballet of Lights winner
We drew the giveaway on 14 September. Ricky from Dublin 3 is going to Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty at the O’Reilly Theatre on Sunday 8 November. Congratulations, Ricky.
Didn’t win this time? Tickets start at €26, and there are three Sundays to choose from: 8 November, 6 December and 16 January, each at 4pm and 6pm.
On stage this autumn
This weekend, Belfast: Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala at the Grand Opera House, 8 to 10 October, with guest artists from The Royal Ballet. From £43.
From 30 October, all over the island: Ballet Ireland’s Romeo & Juliet, set to Prokofiev’s score, tours 16 venues until 19 December. Dublin gets five performances at the Gaiety, 11 to 14 November.
5 to 7 November, Cork: Cork City Ballet opens Nutcracker season at Cork Opera House with The Nutcracker. Tickets €36 to €48.
Planning a Nutcracker for December? Four Irish productions are confirmed so far, in Cork, Newtownabbey, Letterkenny and Wexford.
World Ballet Day: watch The Royal Ballet’s class for free
On Thursday 29 October, ballet companies around the world let the cameras into their studios. From 11.30am Irish time you can watch The Royal Ballet’s company class live, then stay for the rehearsals. No ticket and no cost.
This year the Royal Ballet School turns 100, and its founder, Ninette de Valois, was born near Blessington in Co. Wicklow.
What to watch on World Ballet Day →
Halloween midterm camps
We’ve listed more than 35 dance and stage camps across 14 counties for the midterm break, 26 to 31 October. Most are for ages 4 to 12, and day camps start from €15.
For the smallest dancers, The Ballet Barn in Kilmeany, Co. Carlow runs a Halloween morning for ages 3 to 8 on Friday 30 October. €25, and no dance experience needed.
Masterclasses
Friday 9 October, Belfast: Melissa Hamilton, Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, teaches on the Grand Opera House stage. Two classes: ages 8 to 12, and 19+. £45.
16 to 18 October, Dublin: a three-day adult ballet intensive with Dance Conservatory Ireland, for adults of all levels.
Sunday 25 October, Dublin: a classical ballet masterclass with Niall McMahon, for dancers 15 and over at Grade 5 or above. €25.
Know a ballet show, camp or class we’ve missed? Email hello@ballet.ie and we’ll add it.