A Night of Elegance and Enchantment: The 19th Ballet Icons Gala at the London Coliseum

The Ballet Icons Gala 2025 delivered an evening of unparalleled beauty and artistry, marking its 19th anniversary with an unforgettable celebration at the London Coliseum. As one of the most prestigious events on the global ballet calendar, the gala brought together the world’s most acclaimed dancers in a breathtaking showcase of classical and contemporary masterpieces, leaving the audience spellbound.

A graceful ballet performance featuring Iana Salenko and David Motta Soares elegantly poised on stage, capturing the beauty and precision of their art. (Delibes Suite)

From the vantage point of my private box, I had the privilege of witnessing every moment of this spectacular evening. The atmosphere was electric, with the anticipation palpable as guests, including esteemed friends and celebrated figures from the arts, fashion, and entertainment industries, gathered to experience the magic of live ballet. It was a true honour to see so many familiar faces in attendance, each eager to immerse themselves in the sheer brilliance of the performances.

Ines McIntosh and Shale Wagman perform an elegant ballet duet, showcasing grace and poise on stage with their captivating movements. (Le Corsaire)

Maia Makhateli and Timothy van Poucke grace the stage with elegance and poise during a captivating ballet performance. (Don Quixote)

The 2025 edition of the Ballet Icons Gala saw a dazzling constellation of principal dancers from the Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, La Scala, Berlin State Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, and beyond. The programme was nothing short of mesmerising, blending beloved classical works with rare gems such as Delibes Suite, Grand Pas Classique, Laurencia, and Diana and Acteon. In addition, audiences were treated to cutting-edge contemporary performances, including world and UK premieres that showcased the evolving artistry of ballet.

Lucia Lacarra and Matthew Golding perform an evocative dance in a serene, blue-lit setting, capturing a moment of dramatic tension and grace. (Fordlandia - UK Premiere)

A graceful performance by ballet dancers Timofej Andrijashenko & Nicoletta Manni capturing a moment of harmony and elegance on stage. (Grand Pas Classique)

A powerful and graceful performance by Mara Galeazzi & Jason Kittelberger, perfectly capturing the essence of balance and fluidity against a striking blue backdrop. (Toujours - UK Premiere)

Marie-Agnès Gillot, Travis Clausen-Knight, and James Prett in a powerful dance performance, showcasing intense emotion and dynamic choreography against a stark backdrop. (A Stranding- World Premiere )

A particularly poignant highlight of the evening was the incorporation of environmental awareness into the performances thanks to a collaboration with the VILDWERK FOUNDATION that feature in Toujours by Mara Galeazzi as choreographer and performed by her and Jason Kittelberger. This initiative brought a new depth to the gala, using the language of dance to address the urgent global crisis affecting our planet.

Powerful performance by Chloe Misseldine & Reece Clarke (Giselle)

A graceful ballet performance by Madison Young- Victor Caixeta, elegantly poised in a serene embrace on stage. (Swan Lake -Black Swan pas de deux)

Maria Kochetkova and Osiel Gouneo perform a captivating ballet duet, showcasing grace and elegance against a vibrant red backdrop. (Rubies - from Jewels)

Margarita Fernandes and Antonio Casalinho perform Diana and Acteon, showcasing elegance and strength on stage.

Anna Tsygankova and Giorgi Potshkishvili perform a powerful and dynamic duet under a spotlight, showcasing their strength and grace in a synchronized ballet pose. (Thando- UK Premiere)

Marianela Nunez & William Bracewell gracefully perform an elegant lift on stage, showcasing their poise and coordination in an enchanting performance. (The Sleeping Beauty)

Mayara Magri and Giorgi Potshkishvili performing a graceful duet on stage, exuding elegance and poise. (Laurencia)

A captivating moment from "To & Fro" featuring Mayara Magri and Matthew Ball, showcasing their graceful and powerful partnership on stage.

Maria Kochetkova and Sebastien Kloborg perform an elegant duet, showcasing their strength and grace on stage. (Once I had a Love - UK Premiere)

Beyond the stage, the evening was made even more special by the presence of an illustrious guest list. Among the esteemed attendees were Ian McIntosh, lead actor in Les Misérables, Strictly Come Dancing’s dazzling Nadiya Bychkova, Love Island winner and Love Island All Stars finalist Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, and fellow finalist Curtis Pritchard, who has seamlessly transitioned into the world of business. The night was further graced by celebrity fashion designer Joshua Kane, renowned graphic designer Lottie Kane, and model and television presenter Holly Scarfone. Business entrepreneur Elvijs Plugis, finance and actors' agent Alexei Bez, and Made in Chelsea cast member Lady Paris Smith also added to the evening’s star-studded allure.

Joshua Kane and Lottie Kane grace the event in matching embroidered black ensembles, showcasing their distinctive fashion and design flair.

Olga Balakleets, founder, CEO and artistic director of the Ballet Icon Gala, poses with Mariana Gomez, global artist manager, showcasing elegance and style at the event.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, the Love Island winner and All Stars finalist, poses elegantly with fellow finalist Curtis Pritchard at a glamorous event.

Ian McIntosh and Nadiya Bychkova shine at the event, showcasing elegance and style.

Lady Paris Smith and Henry Mulholland attend a glamorous event, dressed in a chic suit and an elegant, beaded gown.

The presence of Henry Mulholland, a talented musician, alongside royalty such as Princess Katarina, cousin to King Charles, and the ever-iconic Lady Colin Campbell, underscored the event’s significance on both cultural and social levels. The distinguished guests in attendance transformed the gala into more than just a performance—it became a grand celebration of the arts and the individuals who champion them.

The magic of the evening continued beyond the stage, as guests proceeded to the exclusive gala dinner at the prestigious Corinthia Hotel. A night of fine dining, lively conversation, and shared appreciation for the art of ballet ensued, making this a truly unforgettable occasion.

Holly Scarfone dazzles in a sleek black gown at the Ballet Icons event, exuding elegance and style.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Olga Balakleets, and Lady Paris Smith shine in glamorous evening gowns at a prestigious event.

Lottie Kane, Olga Balakleets, Rebeca Riofrio, and Joshua Kane pose together elegantly at the Ballet Icons Gala

Alexa Jago, Princess Katarina of Yogoslavia, Eva Harold and Founder and CEO of the Ballet Icons Gala Olga Balakleets

Karen Millen OBE and Jordan Stanford pose stylishly at the Ballet Icons gala event, showcasing elegance and fashion

Rebeca Riofrio, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Society of Arts UK

Elvijs Plugis CEO of Sigulp & Director at Grozeo

Othman Al-Omeir and Olga Balakleets attend the Ballet Icons Gala, elegantly dressed and posing for photos.

Lady Colin Campbell and Olga Balakleets elegantly pose together at the event, showcasing their sophisticated style with elaborate detailing and vibrant colors.

Creative Director Rafel Porzycki and Olga Balakleets, founder and CEO of Ballet Icos Gala

Leslie Macleod-Miller and Liz Brewer attend the Ballet Icons Gala

The Ballet Icons Gala 2025 reaffirmed its status as a global phenomenon, a night where tradition meets innovation, and where the beauty of dance transcends boundaries. This year’s event was not only a testament to the enduring power of ballet but also a powerful reminder of how the arts can inspire change and bring people together in celebration of excellence. I am already looking forward to the 20th anniversary of this iconic gala, knowing it will continue to set the standard for artistic brilliance and cultural significance.

Ballet Pictures by Jack Devant and Malcolm Levinkind

Others Kam Murali