The internationally celebrated Ballet Icons Gala returns to the London Coliseum on Sunday 15 February 2026, marking its 20th anniversary with a special one-night event bringing together leading dancers from across the world.
One of the most prestigious fixtures in the global dance calendar, the Gala is renowned for uniting internationally acclaimed performers and choreographers from major ballet companies. This anniversary edition will be accompanied by the English National Ballet Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating two decades of world-class ballet in grand style.
The 2026 programme features a mix of classical and contemporary works, including world premieres and exclusive anniversary commissions. Dancers will appear from companies including The Royal Ballet, Berlin State Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, La Scala Theatre Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
A highlight of the evening is the UK premiere of Asylum, created by award-winning choreographer Antonia Franceschi in collaboration with New York non-profit Vildwerk Foundation, addressing the world’s environmental crisis. The programme also includes works by choreographers such as Wayne McGregor, Angelin Preljocaj, Marco Goecke and Jean-Christophe Maillot.
The cast includes an extensive lineup of international stars, among them Marianela Núñez OBE, Natalia Osipova, Vadim Muntagirov, Francesca Hayward, Reece Clarke, Lucia Lacarra, Nicoletta Manni, Daniil Simkin and Edward Watson MBE.
Founder and Artistic Director Olga Balakeets said: “It is a great source of pride for me to reach this milestone in a project that began 20 years ago, celebrating the 80th birthday of one of the world’s most renowned prima ballerinas and ballet icons, the legendary Maia Plisetskaya. Twenty years on, we are here discovering and presenting the new ballet icons of today, while at the same time showcasing the very best of this remarkable art form—ballet”
An exclusive photography exhibition celebrating highlights from the past 20 years of the Ballet Icons Gala will also accompany the event.
Ballet Icons Gala 2026 takes place at the London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES, on 15 February 2026 at 7pm. The event is suitable for ages 5+. Running time is to be confirmed. Book Ballet Icons Gala 2026 tickets
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