Ballet Nights returns to Theatre Royal Brighton for the second time in 2026, following a sell-out success in the spring, bringing world-class dance and live music back to the city.

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This December's programme is led by one of the defining ballerinas of her generation Alina Cojocaru OBE, World Star and former Principal of The Royal Ballet. The lineup also celebrates World Star Paul Marque, Étoile of Le Opéra National de Paris, in an evening that places international stardom within touching distance of a Brighton audience.

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At the heart of the programme sits a rare double thread of work by Kim Brandstrup. Alina Cojocaru dances new choreography created by Brandstrup, while Seirian Griffiths, an emerging star of UK contemporary dance, performs an extract from Brandstrup's award-winning Breaking Bach - two generations of artist meeting one of British dance's most distinctive choreographic voices on a single stage.

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The programme widens across the dancescape with Laurel Dalley Smith, star of The Martha Graham Dance Company, the physical power and popular reach of James Wilton Dance, emerging Bajan artist Liam Woodvine, World Stars Paul Marque & Bleuenn Battistoni, Étoiles of Ballet de l'Opéra national de Parisand, English National Opera Harewood Artist Patrick Alexander Keefe. New futures are represented by the Acosta Dance Foundation and Rambert School, continuing Ballet Nights' commitment to placing tomorrow's artists on tonight's stage.

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Live music remains integral, with Quartet Concrete driving the atmosphere of the evening through a classical and contemporary score.

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Guided by Ballet Nights host and compère Giles Pearson, the evening is shaped by storytelling, wit and connection, bringing audiences closer to the artists, and to the artform itself.

Join us in Brighton for one night only.