BALLET

As Sweden’s national theatre for ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet offers both classical ballet and contemporary dance. With one foot rooted in tradition and the other stepping into the future, the company has a loyal and diverse audience.

The Royal Swedish Ballet is one of the world’s oldest ballet companies. It was founded in 1773 by King Gustav III. It is Sweden’s largest dance company with the task of curating and developing classical ballet as well as contemporary, innovative works.

»I am very excited about this season«

/NICOLAS LE RICHE
Artistic Director, the Royal Swedish Ballet

»The spring of 2025 is a season bursting with creativity,« says Nicolas Le Riche, Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Ballet. »We’re thrilled to present new work, especially with Mats Ek’s latest creation, En kopp kaffe, as well as the newest installment of Young Choreographers. It’s a wonderful time for the company. Plus, romantic ballet is making a grand return with Giselle, and we are honored to have the legendary choreographer Natalia Makarova here to personally oversee the production. Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet will also be making a much-anticipated comeback, adding another dramatic ballet to our repertoire.«  

Reflecting on the upcoming season, Le Riche shares: » The 2024/2025 season offers an incredible array of narratives, from romantic to dramatic and even fairy tales. We’re exploring a broad spectrum of styles, from classical and neoclassical to modern and contemporary. It’s truly a diverse and exciting season, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.«  

The season kicks off with McGregor/Ek, an exhilarating double bill. »Sir Wayne McGregor, Resident Choreographer of the Royal Ballet in London, will make his debut at the Royal Swedish Opera with his iconic piece Infra. This work is groundbreaking both visually and technically, set to sharp and original music by Max Richter. While McGregor’s choreography feels futuristic, his movement vocabulary is deeply rooted in classical ballet. Following that, we have Mats Ek’s En kopp kaffe, a brand-new creation commissioned by the Royal Swedish Ballet. We’re especially excited about this — Mats Ek, a true master of modern dance, has a long and meaningful history with our company. En kopp kaffe is created for Ana Laguna and Yvan Auzely, who will portray an elderly couple. Lisa Drake and I will perform as the second cast, and as this is my final season, it’s a special way for me to honor the company by sharing the stage with the dancers during this performance.«  

Le Riche, a former étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet, highlights the importance of Giselle: »This is one of those ballets you simply must see if you want to understand the heart of ballet. Giselle deals with themes of social class, and in the second act, it transforms into something mythical. The willis—female spirits—deliver a powerful and timeless message that resonates with today’s #MeToo movement. It’s about women coming together as a collective to say no to injustice.«  

On Romeo and Juliet, Le Riche expresses his excitement: »Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet is a modern classic, and it hasn’t been performed here in 15 years, so we’re thrilled to bring it back. Like Manon, it features MacMillan’s signature attention to detail, with deeply nuanced characters that demand exceptional acting from the dancers. It offers a unique emotional perspective on Shakespeare’s timeless love story, distinct from Mats Ek’s Juliet & Romeo, which we recently performed. MacMillan’s version, set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, has a completely different feel. For those who enjoyed the music in Askungen, you’re in for another treat—this ballet’s score is just as breathtaking. «  

The 2025 season promises to captivate audiences with its blend of innovation, tradition, and powerful storytelling. Don’t miss out! 

DANCERS OF THE ROYAL SWEDISH BALLET

Curious about our dancers?
YOU CAN FIND THEM HERE »