Following a critically acclaimed 2025 tour, Ballet Central returns with a brand-new company of dancers and an ambitious mixed programme blending classical ballet with bold contemporary choreography.
Taking place at The Dance Space in Brighton on Friday 5th June 2026 as part of a nationwide tour, the 2026 programme showcases four contrasting works, from the dreamlike emotional world of Kenneth MacMillan’s Solitaire to contemporary new commissions from Monique Jonas and Cameron McMillan, alongside the Broadway glamour of Times Square Ballet.
Revived for Ballet Central by Lynn Wallis, Solitaire was first premiered in 1956 by Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet and remains one of MacMillan’s most intriguing early works. Set to Malcolm Arnold’s enigmatic score Eight English Dancers, the ballet follows a solitary female figure searching for connection in a shifting landscape between fantasy and reality. Balletomanes, dance enthusiasts and lovers of all things elegantly performed on pointe are encouraged to watch this one night only show.
Contemporary audiences can also expect two striking new commissions. BOLERO 18, inspired by the looping intensity of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, explores youth, collective energy and individuality through an architectural neon-lit visual world. Meanwhile REPLICA from Monique Jonas and Jona Dance examines mirrored realities, perception and illusion through rhythmic, abstract movement and an original score by Phillip Feeney.
Rounding out the programme is Times Square Ballet, an exuberant excerpt from Ashley Page’s musical On The Town, capturing the romance and chaos of 1940s New York as sailors and city dwellers collide in the bright lights of Broadway.
Founded in 1984 as the touring company of Central School of Ballet, a world-class centre for professional dance training based in London, Ballet Central gives graduating dancers the opportunity to perform to audiences across the UK while working with internationally renowned choreographers. Led by Executive Director Mark Osterfield and Artistic Director Kate Coyne, previous collaborators have included Sir Frederick Ashton, Matthew Bourne, Wayne McGregor and Christopher Bruce.
Artistic Director Kate Coyne said the 2026 programme highlights the versatility and flair of a new generation of dancers while continuing Ballet Central’s commitment to making high-quality dance accessible to audiences across the country. This is a great opportunity to see new burgeoning profrssionals showcasing their skills as they head for starring roles in international ballet companies.
For more information visit Ballet Central or South East Dance.
The performance takes place at 7.30pm on Friday 5 June 2026 at The Dance Space.
Details
Ballet Central – The Dance Space
Dates: Friday 5 June 2026 – 7.30pm. Running time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Venue: Jamie Watton Creation Space at The Dance Space, 2 Market Square, Circus Street, Brighton BN2 9AS
Tickets: £21/17 + Eventbrite booking fee
Accessible: Details here
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