PREVIEW: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to pirouette into Buxton with Varna International Ballet
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are two of the most iconic and beloved ballets ever created — and they are about to take centre stage at Buxton Opera House.
World-class dance company Varna International Ballet pirouettes into the venue for two performances of each show, presented by RG Live, in January 2026.
Both classics, adored across generations and synonymous with the very essence of ballet, will be performed across one magical weekend.
BUY TICKETS: Tickets for all shows start from £40. Swan Lake is on Friday, January 16, at 7.30pm, and Sunday, January 18, at 2pm - CLICK HERE. The The Nutcracker will be performed on Saturday, January 17, at 2pm and 5.30pm - CLICK HERE.
Swan Lake is widely hailed as the greatest romantic ballet of all time, a haunting masterpiece driven by Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score and a story that glides from palace splendour to the moonlit lakeside, where swans sweep in perfect formation.
Audiences will witness the spellbinding dual role of Odette and Odile — a breathtaking test of artistry, technique and emotion as the Swan Queen’s purity collides with the seductive power of her dark twin.
Varna’s dancers, renowned for their precision and passion, bring this beloved tale of tragic love vividly to life.
The magic continues with performances of The Nutcracker, which promises to sweep families into a seasonal fantasy.
The most famous festive ballet of them all begins on Christmas Eve as the warm glow of the fire casts dancing shadows across Clara’s living room.
When midnight strikes, the toys spring to life, the Mouse-King leads his mischievous army into battle and the Nutcracker Prince escorts audiences on a journey through the Land of Snow to an enchanted realm where imagination takes flight.
Bursting with shimmering costumes, swirling snowflakes and Tchaikovsky’s joyful melodies, Varna’s lavish staging captures everything that makes The Nutcracker an annual favourite.
With just two performances of each show across the weekend, this short Buxton run is set to be one of January’s hottest tickets.
Whether you’re drawn to Swan Lake’s sweeping romantic drama or the festive sparkle of The Nutcracker, Varna International Ballet promises a spellbinding showcase of classical dance at its finest — one that’s sure to leap straight into the hearts of audiences.
Founded in 1947 and renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps deballet, Varna International Ballet has been delighting audiences for decades at home inBulgaria and abroad with performances of the highest quality.
Led by Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, the company presents much-loved classics to charm audiences who are new to ballet and balletomanes alike.
The performances are accompanied by live music from the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, led by Azat Maxutov, Music Director and Chief Conductor.
Daniela Dimova said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”
Buxton is part of a 23 venue UK tour which runs from January to March.
The tour begins in Manchester, with other stops in Liverpool, Nottingham, Bradford, Glasgow, Darlington, Brighton, Southend, Oxford, Leicester, Bournemouth, Wimbledon, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, Reading, Hull, Blackpool, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, York, and Torquay.
For all venue dates and tickets visit www.rg.live.