Varna International Ballet brings two beloved classics to the Cliffs Pavilion in 2026
The Nutcracker
on Sunday 1 February
and
Swan Lake
on Sunday 8 March
The Nutcracker
on Sunday 1 February
and
Swan Lake
on Sunday 8 March
The Nutcracker begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes, audiences are swept away to 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 the story leads through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins. The spellbinding ballet features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov. There are two performances at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday 1 February: at 2pm and 5.30pm.
Later in the year, Varna International Ballet return with what is often considered the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake, on Sunday 8 March. Brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score, with choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Sergey Bobrov and Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Swan Lake is a must-see for all lovers of dance. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. There will be a matinee performance at 2pm and an early evening show at 5.30pm
Founded in 1947 and renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, Varna International Ballet has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with performances of the highest quality. Led by Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, the company presents much-loved classics to charm audiences who are new to ballet and balletomanes alike. The performances are accompanied by live music from the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, led by Azat Maxutov, Music Director and Chief Conductor.
Daniela Dimova said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”
The Nutcracker
Sunday 1 February 2026
2pm & 5.30pm
Swan Lake
Sunday 8 March 2026
2pm & 5.30pm
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend
thecliffspavilion.co.uk
0343 310 0030
Later in the year, Varna International Ballet return with what is often considered the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake, on Sunday 8 March. Brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score, with choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Sergey Bobrov and Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Swan Lake is a must-see for all lovers of dance. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. There will be a matinee performance at 2pm and an early evening show at 5.30pm
Founded in 1947 and renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, Varna International Ballet has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with performances of the highest quality. Led by Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, the company presents much-loved classics to charm audiences who are new to ballet and balletomanes alike. The performances are accompanied by live music from the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, led by Azat Maxutov, Music Director and Chief Conductor.
Daniela Dimova said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”
The Nutcracker
Sunday 1 February 2026
2pm & 5.30pm
Swan Lake
Sunday 8 March 2026
2pm & 5.30pm
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend
thecliffspavilion.co.uk
0343 310 0030