Stars under the stars – this year’s artist team is in a class of its own.

There are moments you count down to, and this is one of them.

At Verdensballetten, our ambition is always the same: to bring together some of the world’s finest dancers and musicians and let them meet nature, light and the audience at eye level.

This year is no exception. On the contrary.

We are proud to present a stellar cast that offers both exciting new names and welcome reunions with some of the artists who have become part of Verdensballetten’s artistic DNA over the years.

Ballet stars in your summer country.

Look forward to a reunion with our artistic director, Steven McRae, who again this year takes the stage with two of Europe’s most coveted ballerinas: Anna Rose O’Sullivan from The Royal Ballet in London and the Ukrainian prima ballerina Iana Salenko from Staatsballett Berlin.
Together they will bring the classical repertoire to life with virtuosity and an intensity that is felt far beyond the stage.

Anna Rose O’Sullivan is also joined by charismatic young soloist Harris Beattie from Northern Ballet. Together they dance a pas de deux from An American in Paris – a work by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon that exudes energy, elegance and irresistible charm.

Iana Salenko can again this year be seen in beautiful interplay with her husband Kammertänzer Marian Walter in a pas de deux by Roland Petit from Thaïs.

Happy reunions – and new stars in the sky.

Audience favorites Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw from English National Ballet return after last year’s huge success. Their strong chemistry and musical presence make them a couple you don’t just see – you feel.
This year they can be seen in an intense modern choreography by master choreographer William Forsythe.

At the premiere, we present another strong pairing: the graceful Yasmine Naghdi, who is joined by one of Europe’s most exciting dancers right now – Nicol Edmonds from The Royal Ballet.
He is visiting Denmark for the first time and we dare to promise a meeting that will cause a stir.

Astrid Elbo in a new role – and a scoop.

We are tempted to say: No VerdensballETTEN without Astrid Elbo.
But this year she takes a new and exciting step.

For the first time, she is also choreographing a new work created especially for Verdensballetten – and we are excited to present her in this new role where her creativity is allowed to flourish in new expressions.

As a special gift, we can already reveal that the Danish star dancer Alban Lendorf will participate in the work – a scoop we are both proud and excited about. He can be seen in August, where he adds his own signature to an already impressive team of artists.

The August performances also feature a reunion many have been waiting for: Astrid Elbo and English superstar Reece Clarke reunite.
Together they embark on an intense pas de deux by Spanish star choreographer Goyo Montero – a meeting of power, elegance and raw scenic energy.

Who dances when?
This year’s tour is divided into 2 parts and the participants are distributed as follows:

First part in July –
Steven McRae, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Yasmine Naghdi, Nicol Edmonds, Harris Beattie, Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw

Share part in August –
Steven McRae, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Iana Salenko, Marian Walter, Reece Clarke, Astrid Elbo and Alban Lendorff

A world-class program – to be revealed soon.

With a team of artists like this, the stage is set for a summer where audiences can look forward to the best of the ballet world: classical masterpieces, innovative choreography, contemporary expression and a finale that lifts the mood under the sky.

We can already reveal that there are more surprises in store – including new works created specifically for this year’s tour and unique artistic encounters that only happen here, in the Danish summer nature.

But the full program…
we’ll save that for now.

So keep an eye out here and on our social media channels. Soon we’ll reveal exactly what you can experience on stage – and what moments await you this summer.

We hope to see you soon!