National Ballet of Japan to perform at Royal Opera House in summer

The National Ballet of Japan will make its European debut at the Royal Opera House in London, the UK, in summer next year, the Royal Ballet and Opera said in a press release on 27th November 2024.

The National Ballet of Japan (新国立劇場バレエ団) will become the first Asian dance company to perform on the stage of the Royal Opera House in more than 25 years. Moreover, this will mark the homecoming of Miyako Yoshida, Artistic Direcof the company and former Principal of the Royal Ballet.

The National Ballet of Japn will perform Yoshida’s production of Giselle in five shows on 24–27 July 2025 in Covent Garden. This will mark the first time for the production to be shown in Europe. Tickets will go on sale in March 2025.

Yoshida is an icon and trailblazer. She was the first Japanese ballerina ever to be made a Principal dancer in the history of the Birmingham Royal Ballet (1988–1995) and The Royal Ballet (1995–2010). She has been the National Ballet of Japan’s Artistic Director since the 2020-2021 season.

Separately, the National Ballet of Japan is accepting applications for the auditions for the 2025-2026 season.

The application deadline is 25th December 2024. The invitation-only auditions will be held on 26-27th January 2025 in Tokyo.

For more information, click here. To apply, click here.

Prima Materia is not associated with the National Ballet of Japan. Please contact the company directly for enquiries.