Recognised as one of America's national treasures, few ballet companies equal American Ballet Theatre for its combination of size, scope, and sheer skill. The company's vast repertoire takes in all of the great full-length ballets of the 19th century as well as modern classics and new commissions. At Sadler's Wells the company presents two programmes which showcase the extraordinary versatility of its dancers, including stars such as Gillian Murphy, Marcelo Gomes and David Hallberg.

Programme One includes two UK premieres: Alexei Ratmansky presents Seven Sonatas, a ‘spellbinding’ (New York Times) and ‘luminous’ (Village Voice) piece that was named a highlight of 2010 by The Washington Post and confirmed Ratmansky’s place as one of today’s brightest ballet choreographers, while Benjamin Millepied's Everything Doesn't Happen at Once is a dynamic work for 24 dancers with a percussive score by David Lang. The programme also includes Twyla Tharp's Known By Heart pas de deux and for the first time, ABT will present George Balanchine's Duo Concertant, set to music by Stravinsky.

Opening Programme Two is Balanchine's classic Theme and Variations, set to music by Tchaikovsky, plus Antony Tudor's beautiful Jardin aux Lilas (Lilac Garden). Premiered by Ballet Rambert in 1936, this 20th century ballet masterpiece is very rarely performed in the UK: don’t miss your chance to see it. Paul Taylor's Company B, a look at life in the US during World War II performed to songs sung by the Andrews Sisters, completes the bill.