World premieres by two of the world’s most sought-after choreographers and an early classic by George Balanchine make this programme of complementary perspectives a highlight of the Season. The brilliant Alexei Ratmansky, currently Artist-in-Residence at American Ballet Theatre and former Artistic Director of the Bolshoi, is much admired for his revitalization of narrative ballet and for taking classical conventions in new directions. This is his UK choreographic debut.

The Royal Ballet Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon has created an impressive succession of ballets on the Company – including most recently his fabulous full-length Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Balanchine’s earliest surviving ballet, Apollo, launched his international career in 1928. With a triumphantly bold role for the male Principal – Apollo, the Greek god of music, light and knowledge – and beautiful dancing for three female muses, Apollo is a 20th-century dance classic. Igor Stravinsky provides the piece’s rich neo-classical score.