On 18 to 26 September, Northern Ballet brings a new and exciting mix of contemporary voices and classic choreography to Leeds, with Three Short Ballets.
On 22 September, Under 30s Night offers an exclusive performance of Three Short Ballets. Under 30s can enjoy three extraordinary works, with a free drink and programme to complete the night, all for just £10.25.
An audience favourite. Fools by Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November returns to the stage. Inspired by R.L. Peteni’s South African novel Hill of Fools and William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, November utilizes his signature blend of dance styles to tell a passionate tale of star-crossed lovers caught in a feud between two villages. Set to a backdrop of thundering music, see this passionate tale reach a boiling point when love and rivalry come head-to-head.
An iconic piece of 20th century dance. One of Hans van Manen’s best known works, Five Tangos, is a scintillating fusion of the poised precision of classical ballet and the smouldering drama of the Argentine tango. From flirty encounters to fiery group exchanges, the choreography captures the everchanging nature of love and attraction in a world alive with rhythm.
A world premiere. Following the success of her previous work, Intimate Pages, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and choreographer Tiler Peck is back with a brand-new work, set to composer Franz Liszt’s Grande Étude de Paganini, played live by virtuoso concert pianist Rose McLachlan.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this trio of works.
Running time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (including interval)
Parental guidance recommended. This performance contains themes of violence.
More about the triple bill
A triple-bill of short works, the programme features the return of Fools by Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November, the company premiere of Five Tangos by renowned Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, and a world premiere with a brand-new commission by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck.
Originally created for the Three Short Ballets programme in 2024, Fools by Mthuthuzeli November returns to the stage. Inspired by R.L. Peteni’s novel Hill of Fools and William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, . Fools received a National Dance Award nomination for Best Classical Choreography in 2026, and Northern Ballet Principal Dancer Sarah Chun received a Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for her performance in 2025.
Antoni Cañellas Artigues and Harris Beattie in Fools. Photo Emily Nuttal.
Five Tangos is one of Hans van Manen’s best known works. Originally premiering in 1977 and set to music by revolutionary tango composer Astor Piazzolla, this piece explores the complexities of human connection.
Following the success of her first choreographic commission for Northern Ballet, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and online ballet sensation Tiler Peck returns with a new world premiere. In 2023, Peck created Intimate Pages for Northern Ballet, her first work for a UK ballet company, which was received with high regard by both critics and audiences. The new work will be set to composer Franz Liszt’s Grande Étude de Paganini, played live by a virtuoso concert pianist for the performance.
(The opening night at the Linbury Theatre in London will be a Gala Evening dedicated to Mrs. Aud Jebsen. This special performance will feature an extended programme of repertoire with dancers from both Northern Ballet and The Royal Ballet, coming together to thank Mrs. Jebsen for her unwavering support for the world of ballet.)
Tickets are available here.
Main image: Antoni Canellas Antigues in Fools. Photograph by Colleen Mair.
