Ondine

This September Northern Ballet returns to West Yorkshire Playhouse with the UK Première of Ondine, the heart-rending tale of doomed romance between a beautiful water nymph and a handsome nobleman.

As a child, water sprite Ondine is rescued from the shore and raised as a daughter by the fisherman who saved her. Regardless of her mortal upbringing she maintains the mysterious allure and eternal youthfulness of her species.

Years later when nobleman Brand stumbles upon Ondine he is mesmerised by her, and she by him. Despite his betrothal to the mortal Beatrice his attraction to Ondine is too strong to resist. When forced to choose between them he marries the breathtakingly ethereal nymph and swears his eternal loyalty to her.

Through their union Ondine develops a soul and is transformed from sprite to woman, opening her heart to the joy and pain of human emotion. Nevertheless, in time Brand grows fearful of the alien and otherworldly creature he has married and finds himself again drawn to Beatrice.  However, he knows that should he break the bond between mortal and water sprite, nature decrees that a watery grave will seek him out.

Featuring the original music by Hans Werner Henze, book now for Northern Ballet's only performances of this beautifully tragic adult fairytale about love and broken promises.

Try Before You Buy

Thursday 9, 23 and 30 August

Enjoy a sneak preview of Ondine by watching dancers rehearse at Northern Ballet's headquarters on Quarry Hill, just behind West Yorkshire Playhouse. At the event you'll also receive a £5 off voucher which can be redeemed against your ticket for Ondine (does not apply to tickets already purchased).

Rehearsal room lunches £5: 1.10pm to 1.50pm (Price includes packed lunch).

Rehearsal room lates £5: 5.40pm - 6.30pm (Price includes a glass of Pimms, wine, bottle of beer or soft drink on arrival plus stay behind afterwards to meet dancers).

More information and booking details are on the Northern Ballet website.