The global celebration of dance and music comes to London for the first time

Gala de Danza, an innovative international festival celebrating the worlds of dance, music, and art, will arrive in London for the first time this summer. Founded in Mexico in 2013 by Artistic Director Christina Lyon, the 2025 edition promises to bring together principal dancers from the Royal Ballet, alongside world-renowned artists, including choreographer Juliano Nunes, opera star Jakub Józef Orliński and guitar prodigy Marcin, on the same stage for the very first time.

Taking place at the majestic Central Hall Westminster over three performances on 25 and 26 June 2025, this unique event promises not only breathtaking performances, but a series of world premieres and new works, making it a must-see for any ballet, opera or classical music fan. Gala de Danza has proudly donated tickets for the opening show in London (taking place at 6pm on 25 June) to London Youth, with a simple but powerful message: ‘Art is for all’, while renowned sculptor David Begbie will also showcase a collection of his distinctive wire-mesh artworks at the venue for audiences to witness before and after the performances.

“Bringing Gala de Danza to London has been a dream for years,” says Lyon. “With London being a global arts capital, this is the perfect moment to introduce our groundbreaking mix of disciplines and artists to a new audience.”

Among the highlights of the 2025 programme will be performances by Royal Ballet Principals Francesca Hayward, Melissa Hamilton, and Cesar Corrales, who between them have taken on lauded roles in beloved ballets including Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Giselle and The Nutcracker, alongside New York City Ballet’s Emma Von Enck, English National Ballet’s Vsevolod Maievskyi, and Paris Opera rising star Shale Wagman.

These stars of the international ballet scene will be performing new and much-loved works by choreographers Juliano Nunes and Jade Hale-Christofi. Nunes, a long-time Gala de Danza collaborator, offers up a body of work characterised by dynamic, bold storytelling and which spans commissions for prestigious companies, including the Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, as well as collaborations with FKA Twigs and Penelope Cruz.

British-American dancer and choreographer Hale-Christofi, meanwhile, trained at the Royal Ballet School, performing at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace for the Royal Family, before transitioning to choreography. He has since worked on music videos including Queen and Michael Jackson’s There Must Be More to Life Than This and Hozier’s Take Me to Church. For Gala de Danza 2025, Hale-Christofi will be presenting a new solo work, Mercury, with music by Ilan Eshkeri.

Beyond ballet, contemporary works by Rambert, excerpts from Sadeck Berrabah’s Murmuration and performances by Latin and Ballroom champions Anton and Patrizia round out a varied dance programme, while there is also plenty for music lovers to look forward to.

Among the highlights will be Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, named “the first operatic superstar to win over Gen Z” by Telegraph Luxury thanks to his vibrant social media presence, dual passion for opera and breakdancing, and unforgettable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Joining Orliński will be America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, guitarist and composer, Marcin, saxophonist Valentin Kovalev, and Guinness World Record Holder William Close & the Earth Harp – a musical spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Promising a world-class lineup of performers and artists you’re unlikely to ever see together in one place again, the debut London edition of Gala de Danza is a unique and unmissable opportunity for culture lovers across the capital. Book your tickets now – we predict a sell out.

Gala de Danza takes place at Central Hall Westminster on 25 and 26 June 2025. For more information and to book your tickets, visit galadedanza.com.