The best dance and ballet shows in London this October

Taking place across The Place, Sadler’s Wells, the Barbican and online, the massive annual contemporary dance festival returns to London this October, bringing groundbreaking artists from South Africa, Brazil, Lebanon, Britain and the Netherlands. Spanning live performance, artist talks, film screenings and more, highlights include Dance is Not for Us at the Barbican Pit, a rare UK performance from Lyon-based Lebanese choreographer Omar Rajeh. Legendary British choreographer Akram Khan will be in conversation with Kevin O’Hare, director of The Royal Ballet alongside English National Ballet lead principal Erina Takahashi and first soloist James Streeter. South African dance artist and recipient of the 2026 Venice Biennale Silver Lion Mamela Nyamza will be in town to put on a brand new work at Sadler’s Wells East. Plus much more across the month.  

Where is it? Various venues 

Recognised as one of the Royal Ballet's signature works, Kenneth MacMillan's ‘Manon’ is very much a grown-up ballet. The story of a young woman torn between desire for her impetuous lover and the security of marrying a rich man, it's a real showcase for the dancers’ dramatic talents, as well as their dancing. Several dancers will make their principal debuts as Manon and Des Grieux including Mayara Magri, Cesar Corrales, and Patricio Revé. Marianela Núñez and Hugo Marchand will perform the roles on select dates.

Where is it? Royal Opera House 

The internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse comes to Sadlers Wells East. Known for their site-specific and multimedia productions using projections, Motionhouse combines thrilling and gravity-defying circus tricks with energetic contemporary choreography. Hidden explores how, in an increasingly divided world, light can come out of darkness in times of crisis. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells East

The veteran Black and Asian dance company Ballet Black turns a quarter of a century old this October. To celebrate the big Two-Five, Ballet Black is putting on a double bill at Sadler’s Wells. First up is the Olivier Award-winning Ignoma inspired by the South African miner’s strike, followed by the UK premiere of …all towards hope, a joyful tribute to the company choreographed by Alvin Ailey alumnus Hope Boykin.

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells