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Following its landmark 10th anniversary celebrations, Dance Centre Kenya (DCK) proudly opens 2026 with a full-length production of the classical masterpiece Sleeping Beauty as it’s premiere production in its second decade of ballet-making in East Africa.

Audiences who were captivated by DCK’s previous productions of Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Coppélia can expect another unforgettable theatrical experience. With its grandeur, technical brilliance, and timeless storytelling, Sleeping Beauty stands as one of the most celebrated works in the classical ballet canon.

Sleeping Beauty was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, with music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who also choreographed and composed The Nutcracker. The ballet premiered in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, and is widely regarded as a defining moment in ballet history. The ballet united lavish spectacle, symphonic music, and refined classical technique in a way that continues to influence productions worldwide, and this is just what you can expect to see on DCK’s stage.

Dance Centre Kenya previously staged Act III of Sleeping Beauty four years ago; however, this marks the company’s first-ever full-length production of the ballet, representing a significant artistic milestone and a testament to the growth of classical ballet in the region. DCK’s Artistic Director Cooper Rust brings a distinctly international perspective to this staging. The choreography draws inspiration from productions in Australia, Russia, Italy, and the United Kingdom, while also incorporating original choreography created specifically for this production. The result is a ballet that honors classical tradition while reflecting the artistic maturity and ambition of ballet in East Africa today.

This production features gorgeous, classical ballet costumes designed and executed by Esmond Fashion School of Paris graduate Audrey Susanto, created exclusively for this production of Sleeping Beauty. The production also includes original sets, designed and brought to life by Kenya Theatre Awards Best Set nominee Joep van Binsbergen, creating a richly imagined and immersive world for the ballet.

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Sleeping Beauty will be performed by the Dance Centre Kenya Ballet Company, a company of more than 80 dancers. The production brings together students from across Dance Centre Kenya’s programs in a unified artistic vision. The company reflects the remarkable diversity of Kenya, and embodies DCK’s long-standing commitment to providing high-quality ballet training and performance opportunities to children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Performances will take place at Braeburn Theatre on:

Friday, March 6 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 8 at 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM

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The magic of ballet will immerse Braeburn Gitanga’s theatres from March 6 to March 8 with a full-length production of the classical masterpiece Sleeping Beauty.

Following their tenth anniversary, Dance Centre Kenya (DCK) has fittingly decided to present the ballet show, inviting audiences to experience a combination of grandeur, technical brilliance, timeless storytelling, and original choreography.

A significant moment in the context of East African ballet, the choreography draws inspiration from acclaimed global productions.

The show will feature an ensemble of over 80 dancers of varying ages, all hailing from diverse economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds, highlighting DCK’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring talented children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to train and perform,” Cooper Rust, Artistic Director of DCK, stated.

With ballets growing in popularity, both in visibility and participation, they have increasingly drawn family audiences, with many attending their first ballet out of curiosity and later becoming regular patrons.

“Once considered a niche artform, ballet is now thriving, with Kenyan audiences, particularly families, appreciating that it is not just foreign, but universal,” Rust noted.

Dance Centre Kenya is one of East Africa’s top classical ballet institutions.

Founded over a decade ago, the school not only provides training for students of all levels but also produces ballets, musical theatre productions, and participates in outreach initiatives.

The essence of its productions goes beyond showcasing beauty through the arts; they build discipline, confidence, and create opportunities for young people in Kenya.

Ballets are renowned for their elaborate storytelling, bringing fictional tales to life with poignancy and communicating emotions and themes that resonate across cultures and generations.

“Classical ballets are often based on storybooks, legends, or literary works because ballet began as a storytelling art form,” Rust commented.

To mark ten years of operation, DCK regards the production and staging of Sleeping Beauty as a milestone.

“It is our first time staging this full-length production, and it signals the growth and maturity of our dancers and institution, demonstrating that Kenyan dancers are ready to take on the grand classical repertoire at the highest level,” Rust explained.

The themes in Sleeping Beauty reflect the value of virtues and the patient effort required to make change.

“This particular ballet communicates themes of resilience, destiny, hope, and the triumph of good over adversity. At its heart, it is about how time, patience, and courage shape transformation,” Rust added.

The production also emphasises the importance of community.

At the heart of the ballet is Princess Aurora and her kingdom celebrating her milestones, symbolising the sense of community nurtured within DCK.

“The message of the ballet resonates deeply with our institution, where parents, teachers, sponsors, and volunteers come together to make something extraordinary possible,” Rust shared.

As the show draws nearer, it is encouraging to see Kenyan audiences continuing to support ballet, proud of full-length classical works traditionally associated with major international companies.

Undoubtedly, the production is set to mark the beginning of ballet’s next chapter in Nairobi and across the East African region.

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We proudly presents The Nutcracker 2025, a timeless holiday classic that brings together dancers of all ages, professional musicians, and the magic of the festive season in one unforgettable production.

Staged at the Kenya National Theatre, this year’s production promises to enchant audiences with its dazzling choreography, elaborate costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score: performed live by The Dance Centre Kenya Orchestra, led by Antony Muriuki Kaburu. The show is directed by Artistic Director Cooper Rust, with musical direction by May Ombara, and features guest lead violinist Prof. Christine Gustafson (USA).

Performance Dates & Times

Kenya National Theatre

Friday, November 28th – 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 29th – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 30th – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Saturday, December 6th – 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 7th – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

All matinee performances include a Sugar Plum Tea Party one hour before the show.

Gala Performance

Saturday, December 6th – Kenya National Theatre
Cocktail & Hors d’oeuvres – 6:00 PM
Performance – 7:00 PM

Ticket Information: https://kenyabuzz.com/events/event/the-nutcracker-2025?utm_source=DCKsite

Don’t miss this magical holiday experience. Book your tickets early and join us in making memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information:
0796 370 937 | 0705 383 603

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Dance Centre Kenya, in collaboration with Shujaa Stories, proudly presents Tales of Mashujaa, a vibrant narrative dance show for children and families, staged at the Kenya National Theatre this October.

Blending dance, live narration, and original music, Tales of Mashujaa celebrates Kenya’s heritage through the stories of national heroes and heroines. Directed by Watiri Nduba and Joy Gitonga, with an original score by Andrew Tumbo, the production brings to life inspiring tales that will spark curiosity and pride in young audiences.

This year’s production features an outstanding lineup of guest narrators, including:

John Sibi-Okumu

Apondi Nyang’aya & Kitt Kiarie

Njoki Karu

Eli Mwenda

Performance Dates & Times

Kenya National Theatre

Saturday, October 4th – 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Sunday, October 5th – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

Gala Performance

Featuring Baraka Opera Kenya

Saturday, October 4th – 4:30 PM Afternoon Soirée | 5:30 PM Show

With beautiful choreography led by Artistic Director Cooper Rust, Tales of Mashujaa is more than a performance, it’s an opportunity for children to discover Kenya’s rich cultural history while experiencing the joy of live theatre.

Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss the chance to share this inspiring experience with your family.
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