Diamonds Ballet Gala - Led by Italian and International Dance Stars in Abu Dhabi

Diamonds Ballet Gala is an evening of classical ballet staged in Abu Dhabi, led by dancers from Italy and further afield. The programme brings together distinguished artists from the Teatro alla Scala in Italy and from other leading international ballet companies, so the stage is shared by performers from several dance traditions.

A gala is built differently from a full-length story ballet. Rather than following a single plot from curtain to curtain, it presents a sequence of showpiece moments. Here that means solos that put individual technique in the spotlight, pas de deux that depend on trust and timing between two dancers, and carefully crafted choreography. The emphasis throughout is on elegance, precision and the enduring appeal of the classical repertoire.

The performance takes place at the Cultural Foundation, one of the best-known cultural addresses in Abu Dhabi. It sits in the centre of the city, not far from the Corniche waterfront, and has long been associated with exhibitions, literature, music and the performing arts. Its setting makes it a natural home for an evening of dance. Abu Dhabi as a whole has built a strong reputation for arts and culture, with Saadiyat Island's cultural district and a regular calendar of concerts and theatre. If you live in Dubai, the venue is a drive of roughly an hour to an hour and a half by car, so it works well as an evening out in the capital.

This is a seated theatre evening, suited to anyone who enjoys ballet, dance or live classical performance, whether you are a longtime follower of the art form or simply curious to see leading dancers up close. A gala is also a good first step into ballet, since it gathers many highlights in one programme. Plan to arrive in good time, settle into your seat and let the dancers carry the evening.