Ballet Coffret 2026

'Coffret' means 'jewellery box' in French. The National Ballet of Japan will perform a trio of 20th-century masterpieces for audiences to enjoy. These works include the company premiere of Manen's passionate 5 Tango's, Dawson's invigorating and energising A Million Kisses to my Skin, and Balanchine's brilliant Theme and Variations. This is a programme of carefully selected short ballets, each showcasing remarkable music, set designs and choreography. Unlike a single, long ballet format, this triple bill promises audiences delightfully varied fun and excitement with a sense of satisfaction.

"A Million Kisses to my Skin"
This production by British choreographer David Dawson was first performed by the Dutch National Ballet in 2000. In his programme notes, Dawson wrote that he was bidding farewell to his career as a classical ballet dancer and setting his sights on a new style of expression. Set to Bach's piano concerto, this neo-classical style ballet is poised to captivate audiences.

"5 Tango's"
Choreographed to masterpieces from contemporary tango master Astor Piazzolla, this work was first performed in 1977 by the Dutch National Ballet. One of Hans van Manen's works that has been performed as part of many ballet companies' repertoires, this ballet brims with the passion of the tango.

"Theme and Variations"
Produced by George Balanchine in 1947, this work is well known as a homage to Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the ballet of imperial Russia. This is a graceful and dignified piece, in which Tchaikovsky's music is delicately expressed through the steps and movements. The National Ballet of Japan has performed this work a number of times since its premiere in 2000, and it has been very well received for the beauty of the ensemble. Come and enjoy choreography of Balanchine, lauded as "music for the eyes".

The Performance of Theme and Variations, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service standards established and provided by the Trust.