Sofia Ballet tip-toe in to Milton Keynes Theatre

The Sofia National Ballet company will perform three breathtaking ballets – Giselle, Don Quixote and Swan Lake – as part of their very first UK summer tour.

The Bulgarian company – which is steeped in the Russian classical tradition – was formed in 1928 and has become a national cultural institution in Bulgaria.

Fast developing an international reputation, Sofia National Ballet features 90 performers, including an acclaimed corps de ballet and a full orchestra.

Artistic Director, Sara-Nora Kristeva, told GO!: “We very much prefer to have a live orchestra because it is a special occasion for the dancer.

“When you have real music – live music – playing during the performance, the dancers, they merge with the music and you really create a unique experience every time.”

The company’s outstanding talents will be perfectly showcased throughout the three productions as magnificent artistry, elaborate sets and stunning costumes combine to bring the narratives alive.

Audiences on Monday evening will be treated to the poignant romantic era ballet of Giselle.

This is the story of a lovely peasant girl who has a passion for dancing.

When she discovers that the man she loves is engaged to someone else, she flies into a tragic fit of grief and dies of a broken heart.

The two-act ballet is a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

Tuesday evening’s performance of Don Quixote guarantees thrilling technique and explosive balletic fireworks.

The enchanting story of an eccentric yet noble old gentleman who dreams of a fantasy world full of brave knights and beautiful ladies mixes flamboyant Spanish passion with love, duels and spectacular choreography.

Perhaps the best-known romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake, tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.

She returns to her human form at night but the only way for the spell to be entirely broken is through the power of eternal love between Odette and a young man who will remain faithful to her.

Experience the electricity created when the lead ballerina adopts the dual roles of the white swan (Odette) and the black swan (Odile, daughter of the evil sorcerer) on Wednesday (2.30pm and 7.30pm).

Tickets start at £12, rising to £36.

Book for these ballet favourites through the Box Office on 0844 871 7652 or online at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes.