The best dance shows coming to Lowry in 2026

This April, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black celebrates 25 years with a landmark double bill featuring Ingoma, the Olivier Award-winning debut by former dancer Mthuthuzeli November inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike. The piece captures suffering and resilience, bringing rarely told stories to the ballet stage with powerful, moving impact.

Then, Alvin Ailey alum Hope Boykin makes her UK choreographic debut with a vibrant new commission celebrating Ballet Black’s journey and vision. Her work pulses with energy and joy, reflecting the company’s dedication to storytelling, global influences and striking choreography.

Milap presents Timeless, celebrating Indian classical dance with Odissi, Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Solo and trio works blend rhythm, expression and storytelling, showing how centuries-old traditions continue to inspire contemporary performers.

The evening offers artistry, cultural richness and cross-generational energy, where music, intricate footwork and expressive storytelling combine for a vivid, memorable performance.

EXXY follows Dan Daw on a journey through identity, self-worth and societal pressure, joined by three other dancers in a physically daring and emotionally raw performance.

The show probes the cost of ambition and belonging, asking what it takes to maintain confidence when the world challenges you, and critics have hailed it as “truly remarkable and life-affirming.”

Korean National Contemporary Dance Company presents a double bill of precision and creativity. Voyage explores isolation and curiosity inspired by NASA’s Voyager probes, blending rock, classical and Korean rhythms.

Hakkō draws from the Japanese cup-and-ball toy to examine transformation through simple, deliberate movement, with dancers entering a trance-like state of focus. Together, the works showcase the intensity, discipline and daring of contemporary Korean dance.

Lowry presents two evenings of authentic Spanish flamenco celebrating passion, intensity and virtuosity. Olga Pericet blends tradition and innovation with live guitar and singing in a vibrant dance-concert.

Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía journeys through Andalusia, showcasing iconic music and dances. Booking both shows together offers audiences the chance to see two contrasting sides of this powerful artform.

Northern Ballet brings Anne Lister’s story to life in Gentleman Jack, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa with live music by Peter Salem. The production captures Lister’s wit, passion and determination, taking audiences through her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs.

Critics have called it “bold, beautiful and brilliant” and “an exceptional production on every level.” The ballet combines storytelling, inventive choreography and striking visuals to illuminate a remarkable life.

Bourne’s The Car Man transforms a 19th-century Spanish opera into a 1950s American garage-diner drama full of desire, betrayal and revenge. Terry Davies’ arrangement of Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite underpins the gripping choreography.

Critics describe it as “gripping, gasp-making, edge-of-your-seat stuff.” The production fuses narrative, music and movement for a thrilling, sensuous dance thriller.

Celebrating its centenary, Rambert presents This is Rambert, a high-impact showcase of works from (LA)HORDE, Emma Evelein and others that speaks to contemporary life with urgency and energy. The programme features concise, bold pieces highlighting untold stories and pushing boundaries of movement and theatre.

Audiences can expect intense physicality, striking imagery and a thrilling mix of ideas. Golden Tickets are available for the opening night, offering a special centenary experience.