The best dance and ballet shows in London this August

Dance-theatre choreographer superstar Matthew Bourne brings back his critically acclaimed The Car Man to London for the first time since 2022. Based loosely on Bizet's opera 'Carmen' (see what he did there?), The Car Man is set in a garage-diner in ‘60s America, where small town passions are shattered by the arrival of a handsome stranger. Bourne's shows – all danced by New Adventures – are usually frolicking, brightly coloured spectacles which popularise old classics for the modern generation.

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells

He may be 53, but Carlos Acosta isn’t hanging up his ballet shoes yet. The legendary Cuban dancer is taking to the Royal Opera House stage this August for a limited run of Myths & Modern Masters, where he’ll be joined by dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet and Acosta Danza. Acosta will perform the lead in Christopher Bruce's Rolling Stones-inspired romp Rooster. He’ll also perform José Limón’s 1949 masteripiece inspired by Othello, The Moor’s Pavane, for the first time, and reunite on stage with Acosta Danza in the acclaimed Nutcracker in Havana Suite. 

Where is it? Royal Opera House

Sadler’s Wells East is hosting a free weekend shindig as part of Stratford’s The Music is Black Festival. The Dance Floor is Black: Queer Frequencies Weekend will see the theatre’s foyer taken over by London queer collectives. On Saturday multidisciplinary artist Zinzi Minott will curate an evening of dance, poetry and sound art inspired by queer nightlife. On Sunday lace up your dancing shoes, because Faggamuffin Bloc Party will host a full-day party with DJs, MCs and dancers.