English National Ballet The Sleeping Beauty Coliseum Wednesday 06 June – Saturday 16 June 2018 Tickets: from £14 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/sleeping-beauty

• Maria Alexandrova to guest with English National Ballet for the first time • Lead Principal Alina Cojocaru debuts in the role of Princess Aurora with English National Ballet • Further debuts include Lead Principals Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Isaac Hernández, and Aaron Robison

This summer English National Ballet presents Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty at the London Coliseum (06 June - 16 June).

Principal casting for The Sleeping Beauty sees Lead Principals Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley, Lead Principals Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández, and Principals Shiori Kase and Cesar Corrales debut in the roles of Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré respectively. Lead Principal Erina Takahashi reprises the role of Princess Aurora, dancing alongside last year’s joint winner of the Emerging Dancer Award, Soloist Aitor Arrieta, who debuts in the role of Prince Désiré.

Also debuting in the lead roles are Lead Principal Aaron Robison and Guest Artist, Maria Alexandrova. Bringing world class talent to UK audiences, the renowned ballet star’s performances in The Sleeping Beauty are her first with a UK Company. Born in , Alexandrova trained at the Moscow Choreographic Academy. She won Gold Medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition in 1997 and joined the shortly after, becoming Principal in 2004.

With stunning sets by Peter Farmer and elaborate costumes by Nicholas Georgiadas, this classical version of the fairy-tale ballet features Tchaikovsky’s ravishing score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. This revival of The Sleeping Beauty coincides with the recent anniversary of MacMillan’s death, and follows the Company’s performances of MacMillan’s masterpiece Song of the Earth in the autumn/winter.

Alongside performances of The Sleeping Beauty, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events, aimed to provide a gateway into the world of ballet. Activities include on- stage workshops for all ages, Live Drawing, Family Events, and behind-the-scenes talks. For more details, see https://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/

Principal casting In the order of Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré Please note, casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up to date casting

Wednesday 06 June (Press night) Alina Cojocaru* and Joseph Caley*

Thursday 07 June (matinee) Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta*

Thursday 07 June Maria Alexandrova*† and Aaron Robison*

Friday 08 June Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley

Saturday 09 June (matinee) Jurgita Dronina* and Isaac Hernández*

Saturday 09 June Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta

Tuesday 12 June Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison

Wednesday 13 June Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta

Thursday 14 June (matinee) Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley

Thursday 14 June Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández

Friday 15 June Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison

Saturday 16 June (matinee) Shiori Kase* and Cesar Corrales*

Saturday 16 June Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández

*Debut in role with English National Ballet †Guest Artist

For further information, interview requests and images please contact: Alice Gibson, Senior Press Officer on [email protected] or 020 7590 2932.

For further information about English National Ballet and to book tickets visit www.ballet.org.uk Please note performance details are subject to change.

Notes to editors:

Listings information:

The Sleeping Beauty London Coliseum 06 June – 16 June 2018 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/sleeping-beauty Tickets: from £14 (Booking fees may apply.)