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In the glow of a streetlight, two dancers dressed plainly show their love through dance
Leeds & London

Three Short Ballets

Autumn 2026

Experience three bite-sized works by world-renowned artists when Three Short Ballets returns with a fresh new programme this autumn.

An audience favourite. Fools by Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November returns to the stage. Inspired by R.L. Peteni's South African novel Hill of Fools and William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, November utilizes his signature blend of dance styles to tell a passionate tale of star-crossed lovers caught in a feud between two villages. Set to a backdrop of thundering music, see this passionate tale reach a boiling point when love and rivalry come head-to-head.

An iconic piece of 20th century dance. One of Hans van Manen’s best known works, Five Tangos is a scintillating fusion of the poised precision of classical ballet and the smouldering drama of the Argentine tango. From flirty encounters to fiery group exchanges, the choreography captures the everchanging nature of love and attraction in a world alive with rhythm.

A world premiere. Following the success of her previous work, Intimate Pages, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and choreographer Tiler Peck is back with a brand-new work, set to composer Franz Liszt’s Grande Étude de Paganini, played live by virtuoso concert pianist Rose McLachlan.

“Overflowing with great ideas”
The Telegraph on Fools
“The dancers are impressive all round”
The Guardian on Three Short Ballets 2025
“There is no denying the dramatic power of Fools”
The Times on Fools

Rehearsal photos

Dancer with white leggings, burgundy skirt and shiny pink leotard leans back gracefully, supported by the waist by male dancer while gazing at her
Choreographer Tiler Peck watching Northern Ballet dancers performing her choreography in the rehearsal room
Dancer in a pale turquoise leotard is lifted elegantly by three dancers - one each holding her outstretched arms, the third holding her above the waist as she leans back
Dancer smiling as she is lifted, sat on the left shoulder of another dancer, one arm angled up, the other angled low
In the rehearsal room a dancer en point, one foot raised, leaning back and supported by another dancer holding her by the waist and holding a hand

Rehearsals with choreographer Tiler Peck. Photographer Emily Spencer

Don’t miss your chance to experience this trio of works in Leeds and London this autumn.

Running time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (including interval)

Parental guidance recommended

Leeds Under 30s Night

Tuesday 22 September, 7.30pm
Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds

Under 30? Join us for an exclusive performance of Three Short Ballets. Come enjoy three extraordinary works, with a free drink and programme to complete the night, all for just £10.25.

London Gala Evening

Tuesday 29 September, 7.30pm

Linbury Theatre, London

The opening night at the Linbury Theatre in London will be a gala evening dedicated to Mrs. Aud Jebsen. This extended programme will feature Northern Ballet and Royal Ballet dancers, as the two companies come together to thank Mrs Jebsen for her unwavering support to the world of ballet.

The additional works featured in the gala evening are:

Thais by Frederick Ashton
Heavenly Space pas de deux from The Great Gatsby by David Nixon CBE
Balcony pas de deux from Romeo & Juliet by Massimo Moricone

Production supported by
Leeds 400

Header image from Fools with dancers Sarah Chun and Harris Beattie. Photo Emily Nuttall.

More from Northern Ballet

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Leeds & London

Three Short Ballets

Autumn 2026

23 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027

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