English National Ballet launches its 2026/27 season with Rhythm Riot, a dynamic triple bill featuring two world premieres and a Company debut, at Sadler’s Wells from Thursday 24 September – Saturday 3 October. Bringing together three distinctive choreographic voices, the programme moves from explosive athleticism and poetic reflection to joyful celebration.
The programme opens with George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements,originally created for New York City Ballet in 1972. Performed by English National Ballet for the first time, the ballet showcases Balanchine’s revolutionary neo-classical style to full effect. Driven by Stravinsky’s propulsive score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, 32 dancers perform the ballet’s three movements in a vibrant display of virtuosity, musicality and control.
The bill is completed by two world premieres: the UK debut of Korean-born choreographer Jae Man Joo and a new work from LA-based choreographer Micaela Taylor.
Jae Man Joo creates Auguries of Innocence, drawing on William Blake’s profound poem of the same name. This evocative new ballet combines striking movement, lyricism and emotional depth, expressing the interconnectedness of the human, natural and spiritual worlds. It is set to the soul-stirring music of Pēteris Vasks, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Set and costume designs are by Thomas Mika, with lighting design by Mark Henderson. Jae Man Joo has choreographed for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and more. His recent work Divine, for Gwangju City Ballet, received the 2024 Korea Dance Artwork of the Year prize.
Micaela Taylor’s Bow Out closes the programme. Inspired by the 1930s jazz era and scene-sensations the Nicholas Brothers, Taylor brings a pulsing new work to English National Ballet’s repertoire. Celebrating vitality and expressive freedom, it features a new score by Tru (Philip Buckner), performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, and conducted by Maria Seletskaja. With designs by Candice Macallister, Bow Out showcases Taylor’s distinctive storytelling and genre-defying choreography. Taylor has worked around the world including with Paris Opera Ballet, Acosta Danza, NDT2, and Ballet BC.
English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin said: “Featuring three works shaped by contrasting rhythmic moods, Rhythm Riot presents ballet as a spectrum of energies and influences. Bringing together the driving force of Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements with two distinctive world premieres, this programme promises an exhilarating journey through the possibilities of ballet.”
Think you know ballet? Think again.
Book now for English National Ballet’s Rhythm Riot at ballet.org.uk.
