This March, fall in love with the art of ballet for a weekend of classics and neo-classical works, at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s da:ns focus – Ballet by the Bay programme. Set to take place annually, the arrival of Ballet by the Bay marks a welcome return for the art form to the Esplanade, where the last presentation of a live international ballet production was way back in 2019, when Paris Opera Ballet performed works by three outstanding choreographers of the 20th and 21st century.

Almost five years on, Ballet by the Bay is here to welcome international companies once again, with highlights that include the likes of Melissa Hamilton’s International Ballet Stars Gala, which brings eight star dancers from the world’s top-tier ballet companies such as The Royal Ballet (Melissa Hamilton, Ryoichi Hirano, Yasmine Naghdi, Marceline Sambé), Hamburg Ballet (Madoka Sugai and Alessandro Frola) and Stuttgart Ballet (Mackenzie Brown & Martí Fernández Paixà) to Singapore.

These dancers will grace the stage with excerpts from well-loved ballet classics, iconic company heritage pieces and modern innovative new work from today’s most inspiring choreographers, while talented dancers from our own Singapore Ballet will perform an accompanying ensemble appearance, as they come together to showcase of how dance is an art form with the ability to tell stories without words.

At the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, the audience will be treated to free performances by National Contemporary Ballet from Singapore. Founded in 2022 by Jeffrey Tan, former principal dancer of Singapore Dance Theatre, National Contemporary Ballet focuses on contemporary ballet and will be making its Esplanade debut with Impermanence, choreographed by Jeffrey, and featuring young dancers from Singapore and Thailand. Combining classical ballet technique with the neo-classical flair, Impermanence is a creative reflection on the ever evolving landscape of Singapore. Looking to both the past and future, the piece aims to capture a sense of vibrance and versatility, inspired by the city and its growth.

There will also be a free programme at the Concourse stage on the opening day of the weekend for all to enjoy, along with various workshops for participants of every level, including masterclasses with Melissa Hamilton and Yasmine Naghdi. This April, fall in love with dance, and get ready to rediscover and marvel at the variations and high calibre performances ballet offers, only at da:ns focus – Ballet at the Bay.

da:ns focus – Ballet by the Bay 2024 runs from 22nd to 24th March 2024 at Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay. Tickets and full programme available here