BALLET IN THE PARK
Ballet in the Park has become a staple in the annual calendar of ballet companies around the world, attracting thousands of audience members for each performance. Our Jersey iteration takes us into the bandstand at Howard Davis Park for entire days of training, rehearsals, and performances. A unique chance to enjoy dance removed from the traditional theatre setting, Ballet in the Park is an opportunity for new audiences to see our work, and allows existing fans to enjoy a performance in a beautiful natural setting
Supported by The Jersey Community Foundation with funds from the Channel Islands Lottery
Bedell Cristin & Leonard Curtis
Join us for a Jersey summer tradition! Ballet in the Park is a unique opportunity to enjoy the universal language of dance with family and friends under the open skies.
The incredible talents from Jersey’s national dance company join forces with our local dance community to gather in one place to deliver performances and workshops that highlight how these dancers are working for the future of their art form on the island.
What to Expect
Plan to spend as little or as much of the day with us you like. Between free open dance workshops and performances, and engaging children’s activities like face painting and hula hooping, there will be something for everyone. Bring a picnic or enjoy a variety of tasty food truck offerings. There is even a bouncy castle!
This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately and be mindful of sun protection.
Ballet in the Park may run as scheduled rain or shine; if we need to cancel due to inclement weather we will announce this on all channels as soon as we make the call.
What to Bring
Lawn chairs, cushions, and/or blankets to sit on; snacks and water to keep you fueled and hydrated; and a desire to reconnect and enjoy dance!
This year’s highlights
Fresh from the Royal Ballet and Opera's International Draft Works, Maxime Thomas (Paris Opera Ballet) and Gladys Foggea bring À perte de vue et au-delà (Beyond What the Eye Can See) to Ballet in the Park.
Created and performed by Thomas alongside Foggea, the duet is a moving tribute to the celebrated Guadeloupean writer Maryse Condé. Inspired by her life and resilience, the work explores connection, memory and the ways we continue to carry one another beyond what is visible. Critics praised the performance for its remarkable partnering and emotional honesty, calling it one of the standout works of this year's Draft Works.
See them in the BDJ performances at 19:00 on Saturday and 16:00 on Sunday.
We're delighted to welcome Michael Hutchings back to Ballet d'Jèrri for Ballet in the Park!
Audiences may remember Michael from our much-loved Cake & Cabaret in collaboration with ArtHouse Jersey, where his warmth, wit and powerhouse vocals made him an instant favourite. Originally from South Wales, Michael has performed around the world in theatres, hotels and aboard cruise ships, bringing an infectious energy and an eclectic repertoire that spans timeless classics to contemporary favourites.
Michael will be performing on Sunday afternoon. See the full schedule below for details!
Guest Workshops
One of the best things about Ballet in the Park is discovering new ways to move. This year we're delighted to welcome our friends from Lindy Hop Jersey and SOMA Jersey, who will be leading free guest workshops throughout the day. Whether you're in the mood to swing, stretch, explore or simply try something completely new, these sessions are open to everyone—no experience, no special equipment, just a willingness to join in and have fun.
See full workshop schedule below.
We’re thrilled to welcome Reece Hudson back to Ballet d'Jèrri for this year's Ballet in the Park.
One of the Company's original dancers, Reece helped shape Ballet d'Jèrri in its earliest days before continuing to explore life beyond the Island and the dance world. This weekend he'll be returning to teach company class before leading a special improvisation workshop on Saturday, inviting participants to explore creativity, musicality and the freedom of movement. Whether you're an experienced dancer or simply curious to try something new, it's a wonderful opportunity to learn from a familiar face returning home.
See full schedule below for details.
Howard Davis Park
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SATURDAY 27th JUNE
ACTIVITIES FROM 11:00 AM
PERFORMANCE AT 19:00
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SUNDAY 28th JUNE
ACTIVITIES FROM 11:00 AM
PERFORMANCE AT 16:00
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ticket info
this event is completely free of charge and open to all. We welcome you to join us in the park at any time during the activities and stay as long as you like.
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cancellations for adverse weather conditions are possible, and will be announced on this page and our social media as soon as we make the call. follow us for updates, @balletjersey on all channels.
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Activities schedule
Saturday:
Face painting 11:00-16:00
Glitter Station 11:00-15:00
Hula Hooping 15:00-17:00
Sunday:
Face painting 11:00-15:00
Bubble Man (The Jersey Showman) 12:00-14:00
Food
Saturday 11:00-19:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Jersey coffee car
Not Posh Pizza
Donut Worry
LJ Ice Cream
Bouncy Castle
Saturday 10:00-19:00
Sunday 10:00-17:00
2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
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We start every day the same way; warming up and training with a ballet class with guest teacher and former BDJ dancer Reece Hudson. Come for a glimpse into a day in the life of a professional dancer as we demonstrate our typical “day at the office”.
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Beginner ballet class for parents and children up to 7 years old, taught by head of the BDJ Children’s and Youth Programmes, Helen Noble.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move, and ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get a bit dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
Meeting Point: Stage (in front of the Bandstand)
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Ballet Masterclass taught by company dancers Anna Daly and Donovan Delis-McCarthy.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move and soft ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All levels welcome, no previous dance experience required.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Ballet Masterclass taught by company dancers Tabitha Dombrosky and Roman Ho Zimballatti.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move and soft ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All levels welcome, but the class will be best suited to students with 2 or more years experience.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Improvisation is a great way to get dancing without the conformist structures of classical dance training. Former Company dancer Reece Hudson will guide this class in discovering their own movement, in a space where there are no wrong answers. Open to all ages and ability levels.
No previous dance experience is required.
Please keep in mind that this class will take place on the lawn, so may be more weather-dependent than other activities.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move and are ok to get dirty, and comfortable sneakers. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
Meeting point: Howard Davis Hall 13:50
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Ballet technique class taught by company dancer Layla May Bruce.
Participants should wear clothes that allow them to move and socks or ballet shoes that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
This class will be fast-paced and best suited to students with an intermediate to advanced level.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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BDJ Company dancers offer one-on-one tips coaching for solo performers in the showcase. Please contact your dance teacher if interested, as capacity is very limited and pre-booking is required.
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Contemporary technique class taught by company dancer Harri Eiffert.
Participants should wear clothes that allow them to move and socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
This class will be fast-paced and best suited to students with an intermediate to advanced level.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Jazz Masterclass taught by our company dancer Ombline Noyer.
Participants should wear clothes that allow them to move and soft ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
This class will be medium-paced and best suited to students with an intermediate level.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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We are proud to be part of a vibrant local dance community. Come and see the future of dance in Jersey.
The BITP performances are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Bring a picnic and settle in for a performance from Jersey’s National Ballet Company.
Featuring special guest stars Maxime Thomas (Paris Opera Ballet) and Gladys Foggea.
The BITP performances are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
Saturday 27th June
Sunday 28th June
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We start every day the same way; warming up and training with a ballet class with Former BDJ Dancer Reece Hudson. Come for a glimpse into the life of a professional dancer as we demonstrate our typical start to the day.
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Join BDJ coach Alicia Beck for a refreshing outdoor Pilates class in the heart of Ballet in the Park. Suitable for all levels, this relaxed session on the grass is the perfect way to stretch, strengthen, and move—just don't forget to bring your own mat or towel!
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Ballet Masterclass for all ages taught by company dancer Stan Young.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move and soft ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All levels welcome, no previous dance experience required.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Courtesy of our friends at SOMA Jersey. This workshop will take place on the grass and will provide an opportunity to practise “embodied” movement and dance - regardless of age and experience.
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Contemporary Dance Masterclass taught by company dancer Tabi Dombroski.
Participants should wear comfy clothes that allow them to move and soft ballet shoes or socks that are ok to get dirty. Don’t forget to dress for the weather!
All levels welcome, no previous dance experience required.
All BITP classes are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!
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Step into the joyful world of swing dance with Lindy Hop Jersey. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned social dancer, this energetic workshop is guaranteed to get you moving.
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Michael’s silver tones belt out a mix of classic hits spanning a variety of styles and genres.
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Bring a picnic and settle in for a performance from Jersey’s National Ballet Company.
Featuring special guest stars Maxime Thomas (Paris Opera Ballet) and Gladys Foggea.
The BITP performances are open to all and completely free. Just turn up!