After 21 years with The Royal Ballet, Leanne Benjamin will retire in July 2013, at the end of the current season. Her last performance will be on July 10, in A Gala Evening with The Royal Ballet at the Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo as part of the company’s summer tour. Her final UK performance will be in Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, at the Royal Opera House on June 15. She will dance Mary Vetsera – the role in which she made her debut with the company.

Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced its performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome for the 2012–13 season. They include the UK premiere of David Bintley’s Aladdin and Lyric Pieces by award-winning American choreographer Jessica Lang.

American Dance Festival’s 2011 season will feature eight world premieres and performances by the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Bill T. Jones, Pilobolus and Eiko & Koma.