Two iconic pieces lighting up the London stage for the first time

Marking their third successful season, the award-winning London City Ballet, former resident company of Sadler’s Wells, return this autumn with a unique offering of classic works making their UK premieres.

Celebrated international choreographer, John Neumeier, creates a new version of his 2020 piece, Ghost Light. Performed for the very first time outside of the Hamburg Ballet, Ghost Light, allows us a glimpse at the spirits of those artists who once inhabited our stages. After the curtain falls and the theatre goes dark, a light illuminates the memory of those performers whose footsteps we dance in.

Celebrated ballerina Alina Cojocaru returns as Guest Artist performing in Ghost Light at all performances.

In this centenary year of American choreographer Glen Tetley, we celebrate and pay homage to this icon of ballet and modern dance by reviving his gothic retelling of the Firebird. Originally made for the Royal Danish Ballet, this fresh take illustrates a young woman breaking free from the constraints of a controlling family – a pioneer flying the nest, embracing her differences and liberating her peers. The ballet’s original designer, Olivier Award-winning John MacFarlane, will revisit his designs for this revival.

Recognised by the Critics Circle at the National Dance Awards for winning Best Independent Company, London City Ballet has found its feet and is forging new, fascinating paths ahead.

Firebird is a co-production with York Theatre Royal & the Opera de Vichy, France.

Header image description: A dancer stands en pointe in a dynamic pose. They are facing the right so you only see their right profile, and they stand in a lunge and their arms are raised to shoulder height. They are in front of a grey background and they wear a white leotard with lace sleeves and collar. Their hair is slicked back with streaks of silver.

Header image © ASH/Feast