Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Matthew Golding

Many world class performances to enjoy in this 20th edition of the annual Ballet Icons Gala.

Ballet Icons Gala 2025 was the 19th since its inception. One can only applaud the dedication of Olga Balakleets, Founder and Artistic Director, for bringing many of the world’s most eminent dancers.

Lost Letters is the first full work from former Bayerisches Staatsballett Principal, Lucia Lacarra and her self-titled ballet company.

A shimmering smorgasbord of some of today’s most exciting international dancers, who performed pristine works by Petipa.

Even within a line-up boasting some of the greatest international stars from across the world, it is the youngest couple, making their UK debuts, who captivate the audience.

An evening of sparkle and bravura at London's international ballet gala. 

A star studded programmme of works celebrating the legacy of Les Ballets Russes

The Royal Ballet's Giselle is classical ballet at its best, paying deep reverence to the original with some of the heavier elements refreshed. Excellently performed by Sarah Lamb and Matthew Golding. 

The Royal Ballet premieres Christopher Wheeldon's Strapless, and performs two other ballets by the choreographer for the first time.

Christopher Wheeldon's Dutch National Ballet production of Cinderella takes a fresh look at Prokofiev's ballet, but the magic comes from Julian Crouch's stunning sets and costumes.

Does the classical warhorse that is Petipa's Don Quixote suit Hong Kong Ballet's 40-strong troupe? Guest dancers Anna Tsygankova and Matthew Golding  are the highlight of this new, two acts Ananiashvili production for the Hong Kong Ballet.

It’s hard to think of a full-length ballet in the current repertory of the London companies that’s are much straight-up fun to watch as the English National Ballet's Le Corsaire.

Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round has apparently perennial box-office appeal: this is the English National Ballet production’s seventh season at the Royal Albert Hall since its première there in 1997, besides other performances on tour.

Lucía Lacarra y Matthew Golding, también afectados por la separación forzada, proponían una unificación de coreografías preexistentes en un todo unitario para compartir su experiencia vital, fusionando sus movimientos con imágenes proyectadas en pantalla y con una selección musical de carácter íntimo y profundo.