Dance

Alina Cojocaru OBE & International Étoiles lead in a one night-only dance spectacular at Richmond Theatre

World-class ballet is heading to South West London this autumn for a one night dance spectacular event. Following a sold-out run in the spring, Ballet Nights returns to the historic Richmond Theatre on Wednesday 25 November 2026 for a single, unmissable performance.

A male ballet dancer in a white outfit leaps gracefully in front of a group of female dancers wearing black tutus against a blue backdrop.
Paul Marque – Photo: Julien Benhamou

Curated by former Scottish Ballet soloist Jamiel Devernay-Laurence, this event has a core mission: to bring internationally renowned stars, groundbreaking contemporary work, emerging talent, and live music up close to local audiences beyond central London.

Headline highlights & star performers

The November programme brings together dance icons from the world’s premier performing arts companies:

  • Alina Cojocaru OBE & Seirian Griffiths: The former Royal Ballet and English National Ballet principal reunites with Olivier Award-winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup to revive Afsked (“Farewell”), an emotionally charged 2003 duet exploring the tension of letting go. Cojocaru shares the stage with contemporary artist Seirian Griffiths (known for his work with Matthew Bourne and Akram Khan), merging classical ballet and contemporary movement.
  • Paris Opera Ballet Étoiles: For the first time, Ballet Nights welcomes Paul Marque and Bleuenn Battistoni, Étoiles from the world’s oldest ballet company, to perform two show-stopping classical pas de deux: Swan Lake (Act II) and Le Corsaire.
  • Martha Graham Masterpiece Restored: Laurel Dalley Smith of the Martha Graham Dance Company brings the iconic American modern dance solo Satyric Festival Song (1932) back to a London stage for the first time in over two decades.
  • Rising Prodigies: Championing the next generation, students from the Acosta Dance Foundation will perform the Don Quixote Suite, while dancers from the Rambert School present Snowflakes, choreographed by Devernay-Laurence himself.
A group of four male dancers performing on a darkened stage, dressed in light-coloured shirts and dark trousers, with one dancer in the foreground executing a dynamic pose.
Rambert School. Photo: DeborahJaffe

The evening also brings together classical repertoire, modern solos, high-energy contemporary pieces from British powerhouse James Wilton, and live accompaniment from Quartet Concrète, cellist Joseph Barker, and soprano Hannah Dienes-Williams.

Hosted in Frank Matcham’s beautiful 1899 Grade II-listed Richmond Theatre, this special evening combines world-class technical brilliance with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.

Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Venue: Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
Tickets & Info: Available via the official Richmond Theatre box office and Ballet Nights channels.

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