A UNIQUE summer event held in a romantic 17th-century walled garden is due to take place this week and for the first time, it will be performed over four nights.

Ballet Under the Stars returns after a sell-out tour in 2022 and the performances will take place at Hatch House, a grade II listed building located in Tisbury.

Matt Brady is the director of the Covent Garden Dance Company and the founder and creator of the ballet at Hatch House. He has grown the production substantially from its opening night to 160 guests in 2009 and now, the production entertains almost 2000 guests.

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He said: “Royal Ballet Principal dancer Francesca Hayward will be dancing for us, which again is a huge thrill and great privilege. We had hoped she would be able to come last year but work commitments made that impossible so it’s fantastic she’s with us in 2023.

“Choreography-wise, we have a few 'firsts' for Hatch, we will have works by Rudolf Nureyev and Maurice Béjart, both debuts for us for these geniuses. Rudi was the artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet in the 1980s and I just love this association and history. Such a historic company.... so much history."

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Dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet including Guillaume Diop who at just 23 years of age has been made an Étoile (Principal). He will make his UK debut on the stage at Hatch House.

Matt Brady added: “The venue is incredible and unique; it is also incredibly romantic, and the walled garden is full of magic. Guests enjoy delicious food and wine in between three sections of the most incredible dance from some of the world’s leading dancers.

“You don’t have to be ballet mad, there’s something for everyone; we have classical, neo-classical and contemporary and it’s a great way to experience ballet if maybe you have not been before.  It is also ideal for anyone passionate about art."

The evening’s performance programme with its French nuance will once again be presented between four courses from a gourmet supper hamper and paired with selected fine wines. 

Ballet Under the Stars takes place at Hatch House on Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29 and closes on Sunday, July 30. 

Tickets are available from the Covent Garden Dance Company.