In what it’s calling a ground-breaking partnership, and the first of its kind, luxury cruise line Cunard said the English National Ballet will perform on Queen Mary 2 for a voyage from Southampton to New York from Aug. 11-18, 2019.

Guests on the seven-night trans-Atlantic crossing will have the opportunity to meet the leading dancers from the English ballet company, including Lead Principal Erina Takahashi and First Soloist James Streeter, watch their morning ballet class and drop in on afternoon rehearsals.

They also will be able to see ballet performances in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre, including extracts from the all-time classic “Swan Lake,” a contemporary work “Dust” and the visual “Le Corsaire,” demonstrating the huge breadth of the English National Ballet’s repertoire.

In another first, dance workshops will run daily throughout the week at sea, offering an opportunity for guests to learn directly from English National Ballet associates. There will also be insight talks to provide guests with an understanding of the dedication and exhilaration of the dancer’s life, along with dance themed films and documentaries.

“Dance in all forms is a passion for our guests and this unique partnership with English National Ballet is a great example of how Cunard wants to provide the very best of the arts on board,” said Angus Struthers, vice president-marketing for Cunard. “This voyage is a celebration of dance and what better lead partner than one of the world’s most revered dance establishments. The epitome of luxury, Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard fleet and provides the perfect stage for what promises to be a very special experience.”

Patrick Harrison, executive director of English National Ballet, said Cunard guests will get to experience the joy of ballet including performances and glimpses of behind-the-scenes. “We’re very much looking forward to sharing our art form with the guests on board Queen Mary 2,” he said.  For more information, call Deluxe Cruises today.

Image and Story courtesy of InsiderTravelReport.com