International Draft Works

This performance provides a window into the choreographic process as the Royal Opera House opens its smaller stage to fresh creative voices. Because the evening focuses on new movement and experimental drafts, the full programme is not confirmed in advance. You will see several short pieces in various stages of development, rather than a single narrative work. We suggest listening for the interplay between silence and sound, as these early-stage works often use eclectic musical scores to test how rhythm influences the dancers. You will observe how different international styles merge, with some pieces focusing on technical precision while others explore more fluid, abstract forms. The evening is shaped as a series of brief encounters, allowing you to experience the raw energy of new ideas as they are physically realised for the first time. It is a chance to see how choreography evolves when it is stripped of large-scale stage effects.

The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent institutions, based in the heart of Covent Garden. While the ensemble is renowned for maintaining a vast heritage of classical works, its members are also deeply involved in contemporary experimentation. The dancers performing tonight are accustomed to the demands of the grand main stage but frequently transition to this more intimate setting to collaborate with new talent. The company is known for its technical versatility and its commitment to fostering international artistic exchanges, bringing together performers and creators from across the globe to develop modern dance vocabulary.

This event takes place at the Linbury Theatre within the Royal Opera House in London. This venue offers a closer view of the stage than the main auditorium, making it an excellent choice if you prefer to see the physical detail of the movement up close. As the evening consists of several shorter, evolving pieces, it is well-suited to those who enjoy a varied and modern programme. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. Total running times are often determined by the final selection of works closer to the performance date.