The world renowned Varna International Ballet & Orchestra make a thrilling return to Blackpool Grand Theatre in January with spectacular performances of Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker What an enchanting Christmas gift for the whole family!

World class ballet will pirouette back into Blackpool Grand Theatre in January 2025 with three stunning live productions from the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet & Orchestra.

Get ready to be swept off your feet by the timeless tales of Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker as they light up the Grand stage like never before. From the heart-stopping romance of Verona’s star-crossed lovers to the magical winter wonderland of Clara and her Nutcracker prince, these are unmissable live ballet experiences for all ages.

Fall in love with the tragic, passionate story of Romeo and Juliet on Monday 13 January. Shakespeare’s tragic tale of primal passion and rivalry is beautifully brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story. Set in bustling Renaissance Verona from the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony; this famous story of daring duels, bitter family feuds and heart wrenching love that cannot be, is truly unmissable.

Lose yourself in the haunting beauty of Swan Lake on Tuesday 14 January as delicate white swans glide in perfect formation to Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score in this compelling tale of tragic romance. Witness some of the most technical ballet feats ever performed by a dazzling dual role as Odile – the temptress in a black tutu, seduces the prince by spinning with captivating precision and perfectly mirroring the spellbound purity of the white swan queen, Odette, as she flutters with emotional intensity. Fly to get your tickets now!

Treat the whole family to the magic of The Nutcracker on Wednesday 15 January. This most famous of fantasy ballets begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall, the warm glow of the fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and the presents beneath. When midnight strikes you are swept away into a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and you travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

Varna International Ballet & Orchestra were founded in 1947 and are renowned for award-winning soloists, magnificent corps de ballet and dedication to bringing classic stories to life.

We spoke to Varna’s Artistic Director, Daniela Dimova, as the esteemed ballet company prepares to offer Blackpool audiences the wonderful chance to witness world-class ballet performances right here by the seaside:

How many shows does the company perform each year?

Varna International Ballet is a troupe that is young, energetic and has lots of performing experience, with a long history. Sixty years ago, the world’s first international ballet competition was held in Varna, which immediately made this city one of the ballet capitals of the world. Thanks to Bulgaria now being a country within the European Union, it is now possible to invite talented dancers from all over the world and nowadays the Company includes dancers from ten countries. Today Varna International Ballet is one of the most active and creative European companies, which has already had seven ballet premieres in the last year.

Which of the three shows you are presenting is your favourite, and why?

All three productions the Company is bringing to the UK are audience favourites and all three of them have a special place in my heart. The first original 1877 production of Swan Lake perhaps would be the most interesting for the audience with the sequence of music as Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed it and as Julius Reisinger choreographed the ballet. The core for all other Swan Lake interpretations is the 1895 Petipa-Ivanov production and Ricardo Drigo’s music arrangement. Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet has got a powerful music score and original choreography. We use images projected on the backdrop to accompany each scene. The audience is not distracted with hard sets onstage and changeovers but follows the ballet line and smoothly projected images appropriate for each scene.

Which dance performances have you seen that have inspired you the most, apart from Varna International Ballet?

We follow new productions of ballet companies worldwide with great interest, including the UK, and the audiences know and love British ballet companies with their tradition and high standards. Without an audience, a ballet performance cannot take place. It is the audience who appreciates a fantastic live performance, and it is the audience with their applause that feeds the artists with positive energy, which gives strength for new achievements.

Keep ballet alive and treat yourself or a loved one to one – or all three! of these stunning new productions. Book your favourite seats NOW! It’s the perfect Christmas gift!

Varna International Ballet & Orchestra present Romeo and Juliet on Monday 13 January 2025 at 7.30pm, Swan Lake on Tuesday 14 January at 7.30pm and The Nutcracker on Wednesday 15 January at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Tickets from £27. Please visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or for bookings and further information.