concert/performance space, education
Howells, 2018
English National Ballet, 41 Hopewell Square, E14 0SY
English National Ballet bring world-class dance to the widest possible audience, and invite you into their home, the Mulryan Centre for Dance. Book a free tour to go behind the scenes, attend a Rehearsal Insight Session, see professional dancers take class and get up close to some beautiful ballet costumes created by our wardrobe department.
Canning Town
D3, SL4
When approaching from Canning Town, you will need to exit & turn left towards Bow Creek, take lift/stairs & cross red bridge.
The Mulryan Centre for dance has lift access to all floors, and seating is available in the foyer and on the mezzanine level gallery.
10:00–15:00
10:00 – 11:00 Company Class 11:15 – 12:00 Dancer Rehearsal (BSL) 12.15 – 13.00 Dancer Rehearsal 13.30 – 14.15 ENB Philharmonic Orchestra
15:00–17:00
Learn some new moves, take to the floor or simply enjoy the atmosphere, with our celebratory Ceilidh and live band in our production studio.
Guided tour
10:45–11:45
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
11:45–12:45
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Family activity
13:00–13:45
(Recommended age: 3 – 7 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult)
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
BSL guided tour
13:00–14:00
Please book this tour if you or a member of your group will benefit from BSL (British Sign Language) Interpretation.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Family activity
14:00–14:45
(Recommended age: 3 – 7 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult)
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
14:00–15:00
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Workshop
14:00–14:45
(18+, Open level) Wear comfy clothes suitable for moving and bring an enthusiasm to dance the afternoon away!
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
14:15–15:15
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
15:15–16:15
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since.
English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform.
English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in East London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before.
As part of the Open House Festival English National Ballet has a range of activities you can get involved with to learn more about the Company, the architecture of the building, and experience the power of dance.
Please note, some events are drop in and at busy periods there may be a queue to attend. Our staff and volunteers will keep you updated with estimated waiting times throughout the day.
See our production studio in action and hear from English National Ballet Artists at the following times throughout the day:
10:00 Company Class
11:15 Dancer Rehearsal (With BSL Interpretation)
12:15 Dancer Rehearsal
13:30 ENB Philharmonic Orchestra
Book for a free tour to go behind the scenes of our RIBA Award winning dance house. Tours run throughout the day at the following times: 10:45, 11:45, 13:00 (BSL Interpreted), 14:00, 14:15, 15:15.
BSL Interpretation - Please book onto our 13:00 tour if you or a member of your group will benefit from BSL (British Sign Language) Interpretation. If you require more information or have any access queries, please contact engagement@ballet.org.uk.
Put on your own dancing shoes by booking a dance workshop:
Family Dance
(Recommended age: 3 – 7 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult)
13:00 and 14:00
Children and their grown-up can enjoy a dance workshop, accompanied by a live musician, in a warm and welcoming environment. No dance experience needed, everyone’s welcome to enjoy the magic of dance here.
Adult Ballet (18+, Open level)
14:00
Step into our world-class studios this September and enjoy a ballet class lead by an expert associate artist, accompanied by live music. Wear comfy clothes suitable for moving and bring an enthusiasm to dance the afternoon away!
Ceilidh (All ages and experience levels welcome)
15:00
Learn some new moves, take to the floor or simply enjoy the atmosphere, with our celebratory Ceilidh and live band in our production studio.
A transformational project for English National Ballet (ENB) saw rehearsal and administration functions move from West to East London and into London City Island in 2019, into what would in 2020 be named the Mulryan Centre for Dance. The new building significantly expands on the capabilities of ENB's historic West London accommodation by providing eight new rehearsal spaces, one of which has full stage rigging facilities which can be used as a performance space in its own right. The design of the building has opened up the activities of ENB to the public through the incorporation of large windows onto public spaces and through external performance spaces. At London City Island, the Mulryan Centre for Dance is situated amidst six colourful and eye catching GHA buildings. In contrast, English National Ballet's headquarters stand as a translucent, lightweight structure where the masonry blocks give the appearance of revealing a striking glimpse of the island core.
