The much-loved classical ballet Swan Lake will be coming to Bournemouth Pavilion in the New Year.

Performing the mesmerising show will be the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra as they return to the UK, having received a hugely successful debut in 2023.

On Sunday 8 February only, audiences will be brought to the edge of their seats to see this recreation of Tchaikovsky’s original production. Afternoon and evening performances are available, with tickets on sale now.

Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet stands as one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated cultural institutions. Under the artistic direction of Daniela Dimova, the company has built an international reputation for its stunning productions of beloved works such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo & Juliet, performed with a live orchestra and award-winning soloists.

And their upcoming tour is set to be no exception. The celebrated composer's haunting and unforgettable score will bring the ballet to life, from the impressive splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation. This compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision, to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity. The dual role of the two characters is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Artistic director Daniela Dimova and music director and chief conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra 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."

The 2026 production of Swan Lake will revive Tchaikovsky’s original masterpiece, first staged by the Bolshoi Ballet in 1877. While many modern audiences recognise the 1895 adaptation - enhanced musically and choreographically by Marius Petipa and Riccardo Drigo at the Mariinsky Theatre, just two years after Tchaikovsky’s passing -this staging looks further back in time.

Varna International Ballet’s producers have delved deep into the archives, restoring the original score, orchestration, and libretto. By doing so, they preserve the authentic intentions behind the work, offering audiences the rare opportunity to experience Swan Lake as Tchaikovsky first envisioned it.

Swan Lake will arrive at Bournemouth for two performances on Sunday, 8 February 2026. Tickets are on sale now from £30.00 from bournemouthpavilion.co.uk