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Birmingham Royal Ballet makes a thunderous debut with its thrilling, headbanging hit Black Sabbath – The Ballet. Get ready for sparks to fly in the first true heavy metal ballet experience, honoring Birmingham–born band Black Sabbath—whose founding members included the legendary John “Ozzy” Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward.

Following sold-out performances in its 2023 world premiere and UK tour, Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) is taking its spectacular theatrical show on the road. Riveting dance meets full orchestrations of popular Black Sabbath tracks like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” plus new orchestral works inspired by the band’s iconic sound. Ballet and heavy metal unite in unexpected ways over three acts, each one with a different focus: the songs, the band, and the fans. The brainchild of BRB Director Carlos Acosta, the show is brought to life by Lead Composer Christopher Austin and three choreographers (one per act), including Lead Choreographer Pontus Lidberg as well as Cassi Abranches and Raúl Reinoso.

Age guidance 10+
Contains archival voiceover that includes bleeped out swearing and conversation around the taking and using of drugs.

“A ballet set to Black Sabbath?! What’s THAT going to look like? I know that was my reaction upon learning of this new work conceived by Carlos Acosta. Bravo to BRB for stepping way outside the ballet box, bringing the field something entirely new. There are few things more rewarding as a curator than being able to bring statements like this to Washington, D.C.: to support the artistic vision and risk-taking of this impressive company, to bring along a new sector of audience members proving ballet truly can be for anyone, and to hear the reactions and impressions of our Opera House audiences coming along for the ride!”

—Jane Raleigh, Kennedy Center director of dance programming