From globally acclaimed sensations to festival family-friendly favourites, Manchester’s upcoming dance and ballet calendar offers a diverse array of enchanting performances guaranteed to captivate newcomers and connoisseurs alike.
Here are the best ballet and dance shows to book now in Manchester.
Shakespeare’s infamous love story is reimagined for the stage by the English National Ballet, performing Prokofiev’s exhilarating score live, including the unforgettable Dance of the Knights, at the Palace Theatre this autumn.
After two highly successful tours, Strictly stars Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone, and Ian Waite are back, this time joining forces for a neon-clad show that celebrates the magic, glamour and thrill of Las Vegas.
Following last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet brings back its stupendous production of the festive classic, The Nutcracker, including a night at Stockport’s famous Plaza.
Scottish Dance Theatre, Scotland’s flagship contemporary dance company, presents the UK premiere of a new programme by internationally acclaimed choreographers Emilie Leriche (US/Sweden) and Edouard Hue (Switzerland).
A contrasting double-header, Leriche’s Rotten Work is a poetic slow-burner, while Hue’s choreography is raw, sensation-driven and intense.
New Adventures return to Lowry with the 30th Anniversary celebration of one of their most popular and beloved productions: Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA.
Featuring Lez Brotherston’s glorious Olivier Award-winning designs, lighting by Olivier Award-winning Neil Austin and video and projection designs by Duncan McLean, CINDERELLA features sensational sound design by Paul Groothuis, which will take the audience into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent score, and the sights and sounds of war-torn London.
Seen by nearly 12 million people (and counting) across the globe, and with more than 80 awards to its name, Billy Elliot the Musical is undoubtedly one of the most successful and beloved British stage shows of all time. Now, ten years after it last played to audiences in its original home of London and the UK, the show makes a triumphant return, with a suitably festive run at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
Disney on Ice returns to the AO Arena for another festive run this December. Fun for the whole family, audiences can expect spectacular ice skating and daring aerial stunts, as well as appearances from all your favourite characters, including Tinker Bell, Coco, Moana, Elsa, The Little Mermaid and more.
Founded in 1947, the critically celebrated Varna International Ballet returns to the UK following a breathtaking debut tour, bringing the magical tale of Snow White to The Bridgewater Hall in early 2027. Filled with stunning choreography and the music of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Pugni and Grieg, Snow White is a dazzling ballet for all ages.
The electrifying São Paulo Dance Company returns to the UK for its highly anticipated second tour, bringing bold, Latin-inspired dance to Lowry in early 2027.
Carlos Acosta and the incredible Birmingham Royal Ballet reimagine the 19th-century classic La Bayadère. The Maiden of Venice includes the famous Kingdom of the Shades, the original score by Ludwig Minkus played live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and gorgeous designs by Anna Fleischle, in what promises to be a major highlight in the 2027 ballet calendar.
Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood in the roaring 20’s with high-energy choreography and sumptuous set designs (including over 14,000 litres of water on stage), combined with all the romance and wit of one of the world’s best- loved films, as Singin’ in the Rain comes to Lowry next summer.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Wed 9 Sep 2026
After last year’s much-lauded tour, Crown Ballet returns to the UK with a stunning production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, including a one-off autumn show at Bolton’s Albert Halls.