BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet present Swan Lake at the Wales Millennium Centre from November 11-14.

Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the world’s leading classical companies and the UK’s premiere touring ballet company, return to Cardiff this November with one of the most highly regarded and treasured productions of Swan Lake.

Created by esteemed choreographer and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s director laureate, Sir Peter Wright, this classic production of ballet’s greatest love story features a sumptuous, towering gothic design by Philip Prowse with spectacular costumes including the famous flock of white tutus appearing from a glassy lake of dry ice.

The exquisite ensemble of dancers – among them Swansea-born William Bracewell – will be accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia’s 50 musicians who will bring Tchaikovsky’s legendary score to life.

Graeme Farrow, artistic and creative director at Wales Millennium Centre, said: "It’s a pleasure to welcome Birmingham Royal Ballet back to present the much-loved Swan Lake. We are committed to bringing high quality dance performances to the Centre and this production is a jewel.”

Birmingham Royal Ballet will also present a specially adapted performance for children aged 3 – 7 years old titled First Steps: A Child’s Swan Lake on Friday, November 13. This hour-long interactive programme is designed as a fun and colourful introduction to the exciting world of ballet featuring a full company of dancers and orchestra. Tickets to this child friendly show cost £10 each.

As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to involving audiences in the creative process, this season will see two firsts for Cardiff audiences.

Ahead of curtain up on Friday evening’s performance (November 13), audience members are invited to join a select panel of some of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s most influential creative forces as they discuss life and performance as part of a world-renowned ballet company. The event is free for ticket holders.

On Saturday morning (November 14) members of the public are then invited behind closed doors as the company of dancers open up their daily class. This is a rare and fascinating opportunity for members of the public to take a peek behind the scenes to witness the preparation and dedication needed to be part of a touring ballet company. Tickets to the talk cost £10 each.

Tickets for Swan Lake range from £17 - £42. Premium seats available.

To book tickets or for further information visit wmc.org.uk or call 02920 636464.