London’s leading dance house, Sadler’s Wells, has announced an expansive 2026 programme that bridges the gap between classical tradition and contemporary innovation. The newly revealed season features high-profile international returns, world-class musical collaborations, and a significant expansion into the venue’s newest space, Sadler’s Wells East.
Electronic Pioneers and Global Giants
The autumn season is anchored by the return of the San Francisco Ballet in September, marking their first UK visit since Tamara Rojo took the helm as Artistic Director. In a landmark collaboration, the company will perform Mere Mortals, choreographed by Aszure Barton and featuring a live score by acclaimed British DJ and producer Floating Points.
Hot on their heels, the pioneering Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. The company will present two programmes: a Legacy bill featuring jazz-infused classics and a New Works bill showcasing contemporary masters. Crucially, both programmes culminate in Ailey’s transcendent masterpiece, Revelations.
A Fortnight of Flamenco
Summer 2026 sees the return of the Flamenco Festival, which will now span both the historic Rosebery Avenue theatre and the new Sadler’s Wells East. The line-up is a "who’s who" of the genre, including Eva Yerbabuena, Israel Galván, and Rocío Molina. Highlights include the Gala Flamenca and a centenary tribute to the legendary guitarist Sabicas.
Innovation at Sadler's Wells East
The newly opened East London venue will host several UK premieres:
Marco da Silva Ferreira presents the high-octane Fcking Future*.
Jefta van Dinther explores human-tech interaction in REMACHINE.
Carlos Acosta showcases the next generation of Cuban talent with his Acosta Danza Yunior company.
Seasonal Highlights
The year concludes with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, bringing the 30th-anniversary production of Cinderella to the stage for the Christmas season. Set in London during the Blitz, this beloved interpretation remains a cornerstone of the UK’s festive theatre calendar.
Artistic Director Sir Alistair Spalding CBE noted that the season offers "something for everyone," from family-friendly puppetry in Return to the Forest to the venue's first-ever digital film festival, Dance Digital.
