English National Ballet Raises the Βarre with New Facilities

Many ballet dancers hold the dance bar and practice in a ballet room

Source: English National Ballet

After years of making the most of suboptimal facilities, English National Ballet is moving to a purpose-built new home. Its new premises quadruple the space at its disposal, allowing world-class artists room to exercise and share their talents to the fullest.

The move finally brings together under one roof English National Ballet (ENB) and English National Ballet School, creating a setting in which young dancers in the School and ENB’s education programs are learning in close proximity to top professionals. The move also makes possible greater engagement with the public through community programs, including school programs, dance classes for seniors, and the Dance for Parkinson’s and Dance for Dementia programs.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) supported construction of the new building, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Dance Lab will provide a flexible educational space for discussion, lecture, and workshops.

ENB, founded in 1950, is one of Europe’s preeminent touring ballet companies. Its new premises, located in the neighborhood of London City Island, will be easily accessible by public transit. ENB is an Associate Company of Saddler’s Wells Theatre, whose acclaimed production Sutra was staged this month at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens.