Escape into the sheer magic of beautiful live Ballet at Blackpool Grand Theatre in 2025.
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra dance back into The Grand in January with exquisite classical productions of Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker featuring award-winning soloists and magnificent corps-de-ballet.
Fall in love with Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale of Romeo and Juliet on Monday 13 January. The world’s greatest love story is set in bustling Renaissance Verona against Prokofiev’s soaring score and with emotionally charged choreography that befits the primal passion and timeless tragedy. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is truly unmissable.
Fly to get tickets for the greatest romantic ballet of all time! Swan Lake is brought beautifully to life on Tuesday 14 January by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score as delicate white swans glide in perfect formation in this compelling tale of tragic romance. Odile, the temptress in a black tutu seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision and perfectly mirrors the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity.
Treat the whole family to the magic of The Nutcracker on Wednesday 15 January. This most famous of fantasy ballets begins as night falls on a snowy Christmas Eve and the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra were founded in 1947 and are renowned for award-winning soloists and impressive corps de ballet led by Artistic Director, Daniela Dimova. Daniela said of this latest tour: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”
But why do audiences continue to hold such a deep love for live ballet performances?
This dazzling dance form perfectly combines grace, precision, and storytelling and has been captivating audiences for centuries. Originating in the royal courts of Renaissance Italy in the 15th century, classical ballet has evolved into a highly technical and expressive art form, enchanting both performers and spectators with its sheer beauty and complexity.
Classical ballet is also renowned for its rigorous technique and demanding training. Dancers spend years perfecting the foundational movements, which include positions of the feet, arms, and body alignment. The five basic positions of the feet, established by French ballet master Pierre Beauchamp, form the cornerstone of ballet technique:
First Position - heels together, toes pointed outwards to the side
Second Position - legs are moved apart, hip width apart, toes pointed outwards to the side
Third Position - feet pointed outwards, one foot placed in front of the other with front heel touching the back foot’s instep
Fourth Position – (Open) feet pointed outwards, with legs in third position but spread apart. (Crossed) feet pointed outwards, legs spread apart with one foot placed in front of the other, and the front foot is placed opposite the toes of the back foot
Fifth Position - feet pointed outwards, legs crossed and feet touching, with the heel of one foot placed beside the toes of the other
Key elements of ballet technique also include:
Plié - A bending of the knees while keeping the back straight, essential for warming up the muscles and improving flexibility.
Tendu - The stretching of the leg and foot, often used to develop strength and precision.
Pirouette - A spin or turn performed on one leg, requiring balance and control.
Arabesque - A pose where one leg is extended behind the dancer, showcasing grace and line.
Pointe Work - Dancing on the tips of the toes, demanding exceptional strength and skill, primarily performed by female dancers.
Book your tickets now for this cherished art form that continues to inspire and delight with its rich history, rigorous technique, and magical performances. It’s a feast for the senses…
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra present Romeo and Juliet on Monday 13 January at 7.30pm, Swan Lake on Tuesday 14 January at 7.30pm and The Nutcracker on Wednesday 15 January at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.
Tickets from £27 for evening performances and £17.50 for matinee performances.
Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.
LISTINGS
Varna International Ballet
Romeo and Juliet – Mon 13 Jan at 7.30pm
Swan Lake – Tue 14 Jan at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
The Nutcracker – Wed 15 Jan at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT
Box Office 01253 290 190
Facebook - @blackpoolgrand
Twitter - @Grand_Theatre
Instagram - grandtheatrebpl
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