The best: Ballet and dance performances coming to Manchester

International principal dancers will lead an exciting cast of local young dancers selected for this dramatic production of Swan Lake. English Youth Ballet (EYB)’s critically acclaimed adaptation weaves a tale of love, rivalry, greed and murder. Now in its 28th year, EYB is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies and previously won The Stage Award for special achievement in regional theatre.

Masters of storytelling, Northern Ballet bring to the stage the extraordinary story of Anne Lister — better known as Gentleman Jack. A powerful Yorkshire woman, it was only after her death that her secret diaries revealed an exceptional life that defied the expectations of 19th-century society. Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, Anne’s story leaps from page to stage in this thrilling new production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and performed to new live music by Peter Salem.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Nikita Kuzmin brings new dance spectacular Supernova to The Bridgewater Hall this summer.

Supernova has been created in collaboration with world-renowned choreographer and BAFTA award recipient Jason Gilkison and presented by international dance sensation Burn the Floor.

From Thu 25 Jun – Sat 27 Jun, Aviva Studios welcomes the World Premiere of The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor. Created by Tony award-winning choreographer and director Sonya Tayeh, the dance work is set to the music of Sinéad O’Connor and isa mediation on voice, protest and the courage to live a life that defies the normperformed by a company of 10 women.

The worldwide phenomenon that redefined Irish dance is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley’s visionary show, is one of the most recognised dance stage productions in history, and the 30th Anniversary Tour will feature brand-new choreography, stunning costumes, state-of-the-art special effects, and cutting-edge lighting

Pioneering British dance company Rambert marks a century at the forefront of the art form with This is Rambert, a bold, sweeping new showcase that spans a series of concise, high-impact works. The programme features contributions from pioneering artists with an urgent message, including (LA)HORDE and Emma Evelein.

After last year’s triumphant tour, Crown Ballet returns to the UK with a stunning production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, including an autumn show at Bolton’s Albert Halls.

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.

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.

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.