The National Ballet of Japan performs ‘Giselle’ at the Royal Opera House
- Deborah Tarrant
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
We were invited to a summer showcase ahead of the National Ballet of Japan’s UK debut performance of Giselle at the Royal Opera House on 24th July 2025.
This will be the first time an Asian dance company has performed on the main stage of the Royal Opera House in more than 15 years. The London season marks the homecoming of the National Ballet of Japan’s artistic director, Miyako Yoshida — the first Japanese ballerina to be made a principal dancer of The Royal Ballet and an inspiration to an entire generation of Japanese dancers.
We were welcomed to the event by Simon Wright, the host, who introduced Miyako Yoshida. She told us about her time as a dancer with the Royal Ballet in London, which she joined in 1983 “for one year” and was then offered a contract — at a time when there were few Asian ballet dancers. She stayed for 27 years. She explained how special it was to be returning with the National Ballet of Japan debuting in London after many years.
The event featured two sneak preview performances from Giselle:
Giselle pas de deux from Act 2 performed by principal dancers Yui Yonezawa (Giselle) and Shun Izawa (Albrecht)
Giselle Peasant pas de deux from Act 1 performed by First Soloists Risako Ikeda and Shunsuke Mizui
The dancers were accompanied by the company pianist, Ayumi Hirusaki.
The performances were exquisite and I was reminded how beautiful and mesmerising it is to watch live ballet.
If the showcase performance was anything to go by, then the full ballet will be amazing and most certainly not to be missed.
The Ballet, the Dancers, and a Quiet Triumph
After the performance, Simon Wright led a discussion with Miyako and her dancers. Miyako explained that her production of this 19th-century classic — an evergreen tale of love, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption — was inspired by everything she learned as a dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.
The dancers spoke with the help of a translator and described the deep significance of performing at the Royal Opera House — how much they’ve learned from their European counterparts, and how rare it once was to be a male ballet dancer in Japan. Now, they’re inspiring the next generation.
It was particularly moving to hear principal ballerina Yui speak about recovering from a serious heart condition that once threatened her return to dance. She described how wonderful it felt to be “living and breathing” and grateful for every moment. To see her dance Giselle again, now with a new perspective, was remarkable.
They ended with a photo session (see below!) — and I left more than a little starstruck.
More Than Just a Performance: A Visit to the Royal Opera House
Being back at the Royal Opera House was a treat in itself. Most people have seen the grand exterior on the corner of Covent Garden, but fewer have stepped inside. Once through the doors, it’s a different story: open, light-filled spaces, a shop, and a café you can visit even without a ticket. There’s a buzz in the air and, if you head upstairs near the Clore Studio, you’ll find a brilliant view of the glass dome above the Paul Hamlyn Hall. Costumes and props are dotted around, giving you a real sense of the place’s creative history.
After the showcase, I sampled the café, which had a good selection of light lunches and bakery bits (including gluten-free options — always a bonus in my book). I even spotted one of my favourite champagnes on display, which may have fast-tracked this venue into my “favourite places in London” list.
How to See Giselle (Even on a Budget)
Tickets for Giselle are available on the Royal Opera House website, and if you’re quick, you might even get one of their £10 tickets.
Here’s how:
Make a free account on their website.
If you're aged 16–25, sign up for the Young ROH scheme — they release £10 tickets especially for younger audiences.
For everyone else, keep an eye on the main booking page — they occasionally release £10 seats for selected performances. These go fast, so it’s worth signing up for email alerts.
You can also find excellent budget seats in the Amphitheatre Upper Slips or Stalls Circle Standing if you don’t mind being high up or on your feet — the views can still be spectacular.
And for seat scouting, SeatPlan.com is your friend.
Why It’s Worth Going (Even If You’re Not a Ballet Person)
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: you don’t have to know anything about ballet to enjoy it. You don’t need the history or the lingo — you just need to sit there and let it wash over you.
This performance, especially, felt like something bigger. The artistry was incredible, yes, but there was also a sense of joy, resilience, and pride in the room. The kind that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
Whether you’re a regular at the Royal Opera House or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, this is a perfect opportunity to go. And maybe fall a little bit in love with ballet.
Location: Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD
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