Swan Lake and the future of ballet

Swan Lake and the future of ballet

Up next

Happy Enough: Why awe makes us happier

What happens when we stop rushing around and pause to take in the vastness of the world around us? In this episode of Happy Enough, we explore awe — the emotion that can make you feel surprisingly small, and, at the same time, happier. To break down the science behind awe and why ...  Show more

International law in the Trump era

In less than a year, U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term has re-shaped the international order. From levying tariffs against much of the world, turning against long-standing allies, capturing Venezuela’s president, and threatening to annex Greenland – the U.S. has flouted i ...  Show more

Recommended Episodes

Misty Copeland: Ballet as activism
1 big thing

Misty Copeland is the rare ballerina who's recognizable well beyond the world of ballet. In 2015, she became the first Black woman to reach the title of principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Throughout her career, Misty has spoken out about being one of t ...  Show more

Misty Copeland, principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre: "I want to diversify [ballet]. I want people to see and know that a Black girl can be a ballerina in a mainstream White company.”
9 to 5ish with theSkimm

Misty Copeland is the most famous ballet dancer in the world. Which means that throughout her career, she's had to consistently break down barriers. For background: Misty made history when she became the first Black female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. And no ...  Show more

Rudolf Nureyev: Superstar Russian dancer
The Forum

From the moment the seven-year-old Rudolf Nureyev saw a ballet on stage in his local theatre, he lived and breathed dance. That overwhelming desire to be on stage carried him throughout his life – from his student days in Leningrad to his defection to the West in a blaze of publi ...  Show more

Wayne McGregor
Desert Island Discs

Kirsty Young's castaway is the choreographer Wayne McGregor. Despite his background in contemporary dance, he has been resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet - the first from outside the company - for the past ten years. He has brought to Covent Garden a fascination with tech ...  Show more