Birmingham Royal Ballet today announces the China Cultural Engagement Tour 2026, an ambitious cultural diplomacy and educational exchange initiative designed to strengthen artistic collaboration, educational partnerships and people-to-people connections between the United Kingdom and China. This is the company’s first visit to China in nearly twenty years.
In collaboration with UK-based 88 Education, the programme seeks to celebrate the shared values of creativity, excellence and international cooperation through the universal language of the arts and features five dancers, as well as musicians from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
The Tour will commence with the Shenzhen–Birmingham International Arts Festival 2026 (16 – 18 Oct), where Birmingham Royal Ballet have been invited to lead a flagship UK–China cultural event bringing together internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, educators, cultural leaders and young artists from both countries. Through a dynamic programme of masterclasses, educational activities, public engagement initiatives and professional exchanges, the Festival will culminate with a Gala Performance and will serve as a platform for artistic excellence and meaningful intercultural dialogue.
Building upon the success of the Shenzhen Festival, a delegation of Birmingham Royal Ballet artists and educators will continue to Chengdu (19 – 20 Oct), Shanghai (21 – 22 Oct) and Beijing (23 – 24 Oct), delivering a comprehensive programme of cultural and educational outreach. Activities will include masterclasses, institutional visits, collaborative projects, professional exchanges and engagement with leading schools, conservatoires, universities and cultural organisations.
More than a performance tour, Birmingham Royal Ballet China Cultural Engagement Tour 2026 is designed to create a lasting legacy. By fostering partnerships between educational institutions, cultural organisations, government bodies and corporate stakeholders, the programme aims to establish sustainable frameworks for future cooperation, artistic exchange and talent development.
At a time when cultural understanding and international collaboration are more important than ever, the Tour represents a unique opportunity to showcase the very best of British artistic excellence while strengthening the long-standing relationship between the United Kingdom and China through culture, education and shared experience.
Carlos Acosta, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet said: ‘We are extremely proud of our world-renowned productions, our magnificent dancers and musicians, and all who contribute to Birmingham Royal Ballet.
‘As Director of this prestigious Company, it is one of my ambitions to take the Company’s name, and the name of our home city of Birmingham, to the world, especially at this momentous time in our history as we approach our centenary.’
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the jewels in the city’s cultural crown, and on this tour to China they will not only be dancers but also ambassadors showcasing the creative talent, industries and opportunities available in Birmingham.
“I wish the Company all the very best for this exciting tour, which I am sure will further strengthen the existing relationship between two countries, as well as with our city.”
The Tour and collaboration with 88 Education seeks to establish a long-term platform for UK–China cultural exchange, education and artistic collaboration, creating sustainable partnerships that extend far beyond the duration of the project itself.