Gala performance with something for everyone
A summer evening filled with music, movement and magic

We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s performance with a program that offers smaller excerpts from the diverse world of ballet spiced with opera and classical music.
Verdensballetten Artistic Director Steven McRae of The Royal Ballet of London puts it this way:

“We want guests to experience the show like a box of delicate chocolates – all with different flavors that leave you wanting more”

Enjoy classical ballet, modern dance, and brand new choreographies created especially for Verdensballetten, and sit back and enjoy live classical music and famous arias you might find yourself humming along to.

The great classics

This year’s performance opens with an excerpt from the greatest classic Sleeping Beauty accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music.

This July, experience two world stars, Iana Salenko and Steven McRae, in the iconic and demanding pas de deux from Don Quixote – a technical firework display.
From Romeo and Juliet, Anna Rose O’Sullivan and Harris Beattie dance a touching excerpt from perhaps ballet’s most moving love story.

In August, we also present the Danish national choreographer Bournonville and his poetic universe. Here, Denmark’s own Ida Praetorius meets the charismatic Marcelino Sambé from The Royal Ballet of London in a duet full of charm and elegance.

New steps – new stories

We are proud to present two brand new works created exclusively for Verdensballetten by world-class choreographers.

Renowned American choreographer Bobbi Jene has created a solo for Astrid Elbo.
Bobbi Jene is one of the most sought-after and spectacular choreographers today, and she has previously worked with Astrid Elbo, including at Betty Nansen Teatret, where Bobbi Jene created the dance performance “Waiting Places” in 2024.
We asked Astrid Elbo who she would choose from all the choreographers in the world, and the answer came promptly: Bobbi Jene.

Tobias Praetorius – known for his virtuosity both as a dancer and choreographer – has this year created a pas de trois for Astrid Elbo, Sanguen Lee and Gareth Haw. The work is inspired by H.C. Andersen’s fairy tale “Little Ida’s Flowers” – a poetic tribute on the 150th anniversary of the poet’s death.

The music is composed by Verdensballetten’s own pianist and composer Alexander McKenzie, and the costumes are created by none other than Søren Le Schmidt, the man behind several of HM Queen Mary’s dresses.
Look forward to an adventurous experience.

Both new works can be experienced at all performances

Verdensballetten presents ballet by William Forsythe for the first time

This year we present – with both pride and awe – a work by William Forsythe, one of the most groundbreaking choreographers of our time.

Forsythe has created works for all the major companies and was the director of the Frankfurt Ballet for over 20 years. He later founded his own company “The Forsythe Company”.

In the pas de deux from In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, the classical and the modern merge in a powerful, electric composition. A work that at its premiere in 1987 caused the New York Times to exclaim:

“A new era for ballet had begun.”

Forsythe has personally approved Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw – both principal dancers at English National Ballet – to dance this challenging and virtuosic duo.

We are proud to present this special work that can be experienced at all performances this summer.

Variations in this year’s program

This year’s program varies slightly in July and August depending on the performers.
See which dancers are performing during your chosen performance here on the website.

July – experience works by Petipa, Forsythe, Moricone, Jene, & Praetorius

August – experience works by Petipa, Bournonville, Forsythe, Jene & Praetorius among others

We hope to see you soon!