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From 22nd June
This summer, Covent Garden has partnered with The Royal Ballet School to honour the institution's centenary year through a Piazza takeover, inspired by 100 years of ballet. Enjoy a programme of live performances, choreography showcases, screenings, installations and more. Launching from 22nd June, the six-day activation will transform the iconic Covent Garden Piazza into an immersive hub of dance and creativity with live ballet performances, student choreography showcases, open-air film screenings and interactive experiences.
From 22nd June
Covent Garden and The Royal Ballet School will come together this summer for a landmark Piazza takeover marking the School’s centenary year, transforming one of London’s most iconic public spaces into an open-air celebration of ballet, performance and creativity.
Founded in 1926 by Dame Ninette de Valois, The Royal Ballet School has shaped generations of world class dancers and remains at the forefront of shaping the next century of classical ballet. Located in the heart of Covent Garden alongside the Royal Ballet & Opera House, the School has played a defining role in the neighbourhood’s cultural identity and artistic heritage.
A Piazza-Wide Experience
20th-28th June
As part of the celebrations, award-winning winemaker Chapel Down will be popping up on the Covent Garden Piazza, with a picnic-style setting for guests to stay, sip and enjoy the programme of activities.
Coinciding with English Wine Week, drinks will be available alongside a curated menu from the Market Building's Courtyard Wine Cellars, featuring a selection of afternoon tea treats and charcuterie, expertly paired with Chapel Down wines.
Landmark Installations
The celebration will also feature a new sculpture created by former English National Ballet dancer and artist Amber Hunt. The ‘Strength and Grace Butterfly’, crafted from pointe shoes previously worn by Amber and other dancers from the institution, creating a symbolic connection between The Royal Ballet School’s past, present and future.
Visitors can also look forward to a celebration extending above the Piazza with a major ballet-inspired aerial installation suspended within Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, set to be unveiled later this summer.
Celebrating Culture
Covent Garden’s connection to ballet and performance extends beyond the Piazza itself, with a number of landmarks tied to the history of dance across the area including:
Enzo Plazzotta’s life size bronze sculpture, “The Young Dancer” on Broad Court
A historical blue plaque honouring Dame Margot Fonteyn, one of the School’s alumni who is widely regarded as the greatest ballet dancer of her generation, on Long Acre
The “Bridge of Aspiration” suspended above Floral Street, the architectural landmark connecting The Royal Ballet School with the Royal Ballet & Opera House, symbolising the journey from student to professional dancer.
En Pointe Sweet Treats
Discover a line-up food, drink and lifestyle pop-ups including matcha icons, TOKKIA, and American-style cookie brand Blondies Kitchen.
Highlights will include a black sesame seed matcha from TOKKIA, inspired by legendary ballet Swan Lake and featuring a feather-like black-and-white design, while Blondies Kitchen pink strawberry shortcake “Sugar Plum Fairy” cookie will be available exclusively to Covent Garden.
Alternatively, take a break from the activities and indulge in a theatre-style interval ice cream!
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Extend Your West End Visit
Don't let the celebrations end early! Discover the best seats the West End has to offer for less when booking award-winning musicals and plays with our official ticket partner, London Theatre Direct. Explore offers on the hottest shows from just £20.
You can also enjoy exclusive dining and shopping perks in Covent Garden when you present your West End theatre ticket with our 'Showtime Specials'.
