Northern Ballet Announces Return of Three Short Ballets

Ever find it hard to choose what to watch? Sometimes one long story is great, but other times, a mix of brilliant short tales is just what you need. That's exactly what Northern Ballet is bringing back to the stage in Leeds. Their popular programme, Three Short Ballets, is a bit like a tasting menu for dance. It offers three completely different pieces in one incredible evening, making it a perfect night out for anyone who loves amazing stories and breathtaking skill. It's an experience designed for a modern audience, whether they are ballet experts or seeing their very first show. This fantastic mixed bill is returning to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre from 30 April to 2 May 2026, promising an unforgettable journey through movement and music.

Northern Ballet Dancers in Intimate Pages choreographed by Tiler Peck. Photo by Emily Nuttall.

So, what’s a mixed bill all about?

Think of it like a playlist of your favourite songs. Each track has a different vibe, a different story, a different feeling. A mixed bill in ballet does the same thing. Instead of one single, full-length story, the audience gets to see three unique, short ballets back-to-back. It’s a brilliant way to see the incredible versatility of the dancers, as they switch from one style to another. One minute they could be performing something super modern and edgy, and the next, something full of classical elegance. This format is a fantastic showcase for different choreographers, each with their own vision and creative language. The evening becomes a wonderful fusion of ideas, highlighting the amazing artistry and diverse choreography that makes contemporary ballet so exciting. It's a chance to see a whole spectrum of dance in a single performance.

A trio of ballets for the Leeds stage

The programme for Three Short Ballets features an amazing line-up of world-renowned choreographers, each bringing a distinct flavour to the evening. From raw emotion to timeless elegance, there's a short piece for everyone to connect with.

First up is Intimate Pages by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, Tiler Peck. Following its hugely successful premiere in 2023, this piece is making a welcome return. This isn't just dance for the sake of it; this is pure emotional storytelling. The ballet explores one man’s deep yearning for connection and love, taking the audience on a journey from heart-fluttering joy to aching loneliness. It’s inspired by music that was originally written by a composer for a secret love, so that passion and longing are woven into every note and every step. What makes this piece so special is its striking fusion of classical and contemporary ballet. Tiler Peck’s choreography is fresh and exciting, creating a powerful experience that feels both timeless and completely new.

Next is Adagio Hammerklavier, a true masterpiece by the legendary choreographer Hans van Manen. Described as a ‘timeless classic’, this piece is a captivating display of strength, partnership, and incredible precision. Created back in 1973, it has lost none of its power. Set to an exceptionally slow piece of music by Beethoven, the choreography explores the delicate balance in relationships. Three couples move with breathtaking control, treading a fine line between movement and stillness. It’s like watching a wheel turn so slowly it’s almost about to stop. This beautiful work from Hans van Manen shows how the dancers’ control and balance can mirror intimacy, tension, and understanding between people. It’s a work of pure elegance and artistry that celebrates his unique vision.

Completing the trio is a UK premiere from a familiar name, former Northern Ballet Artistic Director David Nixon CBE. He’s the creative mind behind many of the company's most loved ballets, and now he brings Winter Dances to a UK audience for the first time. This short ballet is a showcase of grace, where music and movement become one. Set to Dvořák’s famous ‘The American’ string quartet, the piece follows a group of young people enjoying an evening together. From the group, two very different couples emerge in duets. One is full of deep passion, while the other is light-hearted and playful, offering a clever reflection on the many sides of love. It’s a beautiful piece that highlights the sheer artistry of the Northern Ballet dancers.

The perfect night of dance in Leeds

This whole evening is more than just a performance; it’s an experience. Bringing together three distinct works, Three Short Ballets offers a rich and varied night of entertainment. The programme is a testament to the creative power of ballet, showcasing choreography from some of the best choreographers in the world. The talent of the dancers is on full display as they master each different style with grace and power. The performance will be held at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, an intimate venue where every seat feels close to the stage, allowing the audience to truly connect with the emotional storytelling and artistry unfolding before them. It is the ideal setting to appreciate the skill and elegance of every short ballet. Whether you are a lifelong ballet fan or new to the art form, this mixed bill is a brilliant way to see what Northern Ballet is all about.

Get your tickets booked

Three Short Ballets will be performing at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds for a very limited run. Make sure you don't miss out on this extraordinary evening of dance. Tickets are on sale now.

• Thursday 30 April 2026 – 7:30pm

• Friday 1 May 2026 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm

• Saturday 2 May 2026 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm

For more information and to book your tickets, visit the Northern Ballet website.