The best dance and ballet shows in June 2025

In 2024 we had the Black Sabbath Ballet. This year, The Who is stepping into the world of pointe shoes, pirouettes and very tight leggings. We know it doesn’t sound very rock and roll, but trust us, this isn’t your typical ballet. 

With the blessing of Pete Townshend, Sadler’s Wells has reworked the cult 1979 film Quadrophenia into a brand-new dance production. Set to an orchestral arrangement of the record, the show will be by directed by theatre director Rob Ashford and choreographed by Paul Roberts, who is well known for his collaborations with pop artists, from the Spice Girls to Prince. Rising star dancer Paris Fitzpatrick will play Jimmy. There will be Harrington jackets, bad hair cuts, and plenty of attitude.

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Seedy Soho will get the Matthew Bourne treatment this summer with the return of The Midnight Bell to Sadler’s Wells. After its premiere in 2021 this production picked up two prizes in the National Dance Awards 2022, including ‘Best Modern Choreography’. Inspired by the work of the great English novelist Patrick Hamilton, The Midnight Bell is a love letter to the London pub, telling the sexy, raw and sometimes heartbreaking stories of Londoners in the 1930s. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells Theatre 

Regent’s Park Open Air theatre will be honouring the OG musical composers Rodgers & Hammerstein (AKA the guys behind Oklahoma!, The King and I and The Sound of Music) through dance this summer. The triple bill is comprised of the ‘ballet’ sections of the classic shows Allegro, Oklahoma! and Carousel, with choreography by Julia Cheng, Shelley Maxwell and Kate Prince respectively. If that’s not enough to get you going, dancers will be accompanied by the 26-piece orchestra of the Sinfonia Smith Square live on stage. 

Where is it? Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Want to discover the next Francesca Hayward, or Wayne McGregor? The ROH's Next Generation festival showcases incredible young dance talent from the top youth dance companies and dance schools from around the world. This year's lineup includes ZooNation Youth Company, Finnish National Youth Ballet Company, Paris Opera Junior Ballet, the Royal Ballet School and Rambert. 

Where is it? Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre