The 'Great dance gala' returns to the Gran Teatre del Liceu on November 9 and 10, reaffirming itself as an unmissable event for international ballet lovers. In an incomparable setting, stars such as Maria Khoreva, Olga Smirnova, Tiler Peck, Friedemann Vogel, and Julian MacKay will shine alongside an exceptional cast of twenty world-renowned dancers. The program combines iconic excerpts by Marius Petipa with neoclassical works by George Balanchine.
The Ballet de Catalunya dresses the Gran Teatre del Liceu in splendour with the great stars of world dance — a unique display of virtuosity, emotion, and elegance that will take place in two galas on November 9 and 10.
This major event, born in 2016 and now established as one of the most anticipated on the international scene, allows Barcelona’s audience to enjoy, on a single stage, the magic and excellence of the world’s leading dance companies.
With this proposal, the Liceu aligns itself with capitals such as New York, London, Dubai, and Tokyo, offering Barcelona an evening where dance becomes a universal language and a celebration of beauty in motion. The theatre’s stage is transformed into a shared space for some of the finest performers in the world, in an event that reaffirms the city’s international and artistic vocation.
A journey through the legacy of ballet with a luxurious repertoire
The programme of this edition traces the choreographic legacy that has defined the history of ballet: from the genius of Marius Petipa, father of the classical repertoire, to the elegant revolution of George Balanchine, and the dramatic sensitivity of choreographers such as Kenneth MacMillan and John Cranko. This gala pays tribute to both the classical and neoclassical traditions, while adding a contemporary touch with Fast Avance, a creation by Leo Sorribes performed by the Ballet de Catalunya.
Each piece has been carefully chosen to offer a journey through contrasting emotions — from passion to delicacy, and from introspection to grandeur. The guest dancers, true icons of the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Mariïnski, and Vienna State Opera, turn the evening into a mosaic of excellence and virtuosity.
The programme brings together an exceptional cast featuring some of the most outstanding figures in world dance. It includes Maria Khoreva, first soloist of the Mariïnski Theatre in Saint Petersburg; Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw, principal dancers of the English National Ballet; Chloe Misseldine and Joo Won Ahn, from the American Ballet Theatre; Friedemann Vogel, principal dancer of The Stuttgart Ballet; Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, from the Dutch National Ballet and former principal dancers of the Bolshoi Ballet; Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano, from The Royal Ballet; Hannah O’Neill, étoile of the Opéra de Paris; Liudmila Konovalova, from the Vienna State Opera; Yuriko Kajiya and Connor Walsh, from The Houston Ballet; Tiler Peck and Roman Mejía, from the New York City Ballet; and Julian MacKay, from the Bayerisches Staatsballett.
The Ballet de Catalunya will also be represented by its principal soloists Ellen Mäkelä, Paolo Calò, and David García Lucas, completing a cast of true international prestige.
A declaration of love for dance
More than a performance, this gala is a declaration of love for classical dance, reaffirming the position of Barcelona on the world map of the performing arts with its own elegant and powerful voice.
Based in Terrassa, the Ballet de Catalunya has established itself as a leading company within the Catalan dance scene. Founded and directed by Leo Sorribes and Elías García, the ensemble combines classical repertoire and contemporary creation, focusing its activity on promoting dance through its productions and the Educa Dance programme, aimed at cultivating new audiences. With the mission of retaining and fostering Catalan talent, the Ballet de Catalunya has become a true engine of artistic creation and projection.
Over its nine-year career, the company has premiered titles such as Don Quixot, El Trencanous, Paquita, Julieta i Romeu, and Triple Bill, and has taken its work on international tours across Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, and Andorra, as well as to the prestigious New York City Center. This November, it will travel to Saint Petersburg to open the Diaghilev Festival with Julieta i Romeu, by Elías García.
At the Liceu gala, the Ballet de Catalunya will present two pieces that demonstrate its versatility: Souvenir, by choreographer Vincenzo Timpa (Leipzig Opera), in a contemporary style, and Fast Avance, by Leo Sorribes, a neoclassical creation that will allow the audience to discover the diversity and artistic excellence of a company that has already become synonymous with excellence.
Two free dance masterclasses led by Susan Jaffe and Julie Kent
The Gran Teatre del Liceu not only offers high-quality performances but also promotes artistic education of excellence. In this spirit, the Liceu aims to provide a unique opportunity for classical dance students from across Catalonia by offering free masterclasses taught by two true legends of world ballet.
The galas will feature Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of the American Ballet Theatre, and Julie Kent, Artistic Director of the Houston Ballet —two iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the history of dance.
As part of this initiative, Susan Jaffe will teach a masterclass on November 9, and Julie Kent will do so on November 10, generously sharing their talent and experience with the new generations of Catalan dancers. An extraordinary opportunity to experience first-hand the excellence of international ballet.
With the support of:
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Benefactor of the Cercle de la Dansa:
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