English National Ballet

  • English National Ballet 01
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English National Ballet is one of the world's great ballet companies. Founded by Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin in 1950, the original vision for the Company was to take classical ballet of the highest quality to the widest geographical audience, at a price everyone could afford. This remains the cornerstone of the Company's philosophy today.

As a flagship company for the nation, English National Ballet presents an extensive touring schedule at home and overseas. The Company employs the best of British and international talent; choreographers, dancers, designers, musicians, rehearsal staff, technicians and administrators, who all work as an ensemble to create productions that tour brilliantly and are accessible and exciting to audiences.

ENBS was founded in 1988 and was originally based at Markova House, the home of the Company. The links between the School and the Company remain strong, and ENBS is a crucial resource in providing the Company with talented young dancers. The Company has a full time complement of over 60 dancers.

English National Ballet is committed to developing the art form by:

  • Keeping the cornerstones of the classical repertoire vibrantly alive 
  • Commissioning and acquiring new work
  • Refurbishing existing works
  • Encouraging new choreographers to work with performers.

As a touring Company, English National Ballet is committed to taking large-scale classical ballet around the UK and internationally. The Company is known for its touring and its ability to present works from the classical repertoire in a variety of forms and locations. You can find out more about English National Ballet here.