World Ballet Day 2022

World Ballet Day, which gives balletomanes unfettered behind the scenes access to their favourite ballet companies, is back. On Wednesday 2 November, a record 60+ international ballet companies from six continents will be taking part in this unique event, which is organised by the Australian Ballet and the Royal Opera House.

As well as Australian Ballet and The Royal Ballet, the day will include the National Ballet of Japan, Bayerisches Staatsballett, Paris Opera Ballet, English National Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, The National Ballet of Canada and Cape Town Ballet to mention but a few of World Ballet Day's regular participants.

Among 2022 newcomers are the USA's Joffrey Ballet and The Washington Ballet, Cuba's Acosta Danza and Ballet Nacional de Cuba.

A full list of participants is available on the World Ballet Day website.

You'll notice a glaring absence: that of some of international ballet's biggest and best-loved companies: Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet and St Petersburg's Mariinsky Ballet, who've fallen victim to the international sanctions resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

As well has being able to watch morning class and rehearsals, The Royal Ballet stream will give access to previews of rehearsals for some of this season’s productions: Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling and the mixed bill entitled A Diamond Celebration.

Apart from watching, you can actually also participate: fans of all ages are invited to join in online by sharing a video of themselves performing a piece of choreography inspired by The Sleeping Beauty, as demonstrated by Royal Ballet Principal Anna Rose O’Sullivan. To access Anne Rose's demonstration on TikTok click here. Content should be shared using #WorldBalletDay for a chance to be featured on the day.

You can follow World Ballet Day on a number of platforms: Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and find exclusive content on Instagram.

If you prefer to do, rather than just watch, then why not join Dutch National Ballet's free classes for beginners? A new class will be posted online every week for five weeks. You can follow the class on DNB's YouTube channel.