Iconique 2026 - Director’s note.
Straight from the shores of The Bahamas, our Director, Matt Brady shares his reflections on our third Iconique gala.
With the last traces of sand shaken from our suitcases, we caught up with our Director, Matt Brady, to reflect on our two sold-out performances of Iconique at The Island House, Nassau in The Bahamas.
Iconique 2026 proved a resounding success, seamlessly uniting world-class artistry with a continued commitment to championing Bahamian talent.
“Ballet and Opera may not sit at the centre of contemporary culture Mr Chalamet,” Matt observed, “but Iconique yet again reveals the enduring depth of their connection with audiences worldwide.”
As Covent Garden Dance marks its 20th anniversary year, there is much to celebrate. From the creation of new works and the nurturing of emerging talent, to captivating loyal audiences and inspiring a new generation of dance lovers, our productions continue to embody all that is the most compelling about the art form.
In its third Bahamas presentation, Iconique 2026 once again welcomed an exceptional roster of international artists. Paris Opera Ballet Étoile Myriam Ould-Braham, renowned for her diaphanous style, partnered by Mickaël Lafon, enchanted audiences with the celebrated ‘kissing’ pas de deux from Le Parc. New York City Ballet principals, Sara Mearns and Robbie Fairchild brought luminous depth to Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Two of Us.” Xander Parish and Joy Womack ignited the stage, bringing the brilliance of Marinsky-honed classical technique to a vivid and commanding “Firebird,” with Womack also delivering a deeply moving interpretation of Fokine’s “Dying Swan.”
Photo credit: Eddy Raphael
A particular highlight of this year’s programme was the continued commitment to nurturing Bahamian talent. Courtney Celeste Fox returned to create the second part of In Time Part II, developed in collaboration with students selected from dance schools across The Bahamas, offering a powerful and authentic reflection of emerging local artistry. The work was further elevated by the Iconique debut of Bahamian soprano Stanesha Diligence, whose remarkable voice brought a striking new dimension to the piece.
We were also honoured to welcome the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the First Lady to our opening night performance, whose presence underscored the cultural significance of the event and its growing place within the nation’s artistic landscape.
In Time Part II - Photo credit: Eddy Raphael
We also extend our warmest congratulations to Ian Poitier, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, and all those involved in the creation of The Creative and Performing Arts School of The Bahamas (CAPAS). Now formally enshrined through an Act of Parliament, CAPAS stands as a landmark achievement—established as a national institution and set to become the first performing arts school of its scale and ambition in the Caribbean.
This historic moment, marked by the assent of Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, signals a powerful commitment to the future of the arts in The Bahamas. It represents not only an investment in education, but a lasting legacy for generations of young artists to come.
With near sold-out performances, idyllic conditions and the steadfast support of the local community, Iconique 2026 stood as a refined testament to the powerful synergy of international excellence and artistry united on stage.
As we look ahead to our 20th Anniversary of the Covent Garden Dance Company this July, we are heartened by the overwhelming response - with 70% of our seats sold at our UK flagship venue, Hatch House, it is a humbling endorsement, and one we carry forward with pride and renewed inspiration.
With near sold-out performances, idyllic conditions and the steadfast support of the local community, Iconique 2026 stood as a refined testament to the powerful synergy of international excellence and artistry united on stage.
We cannot wait to return to Hatch House for Ballet Under The Stars on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026.
Tickets start at £185 and include, a beautiful three course gourmet dinner and all 12 world class performances. Grounds open at 5:30pm and shut at 1:30am. Post show, the audience are invited to join us in the cocktail lounge for drinks and dancing till 1am. The full programme will be announced throughout May & June - please subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive news.
Emma Hawes & Gareth Haw, English National Ballet - Ballet Under The Stars 2025
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
If you wish to make an enquiry about booking tickets to Ballet Under The Stars, please click on the booking button below.
Iconique - The Bahamas 2026 Programme
Our Iconique - Bahamas 2026 Programme is live! From classical to contemporary, iconic to commercial, there is something to delight every dance connoisseur and novice alike. Read on and book your seats before it is too late.
After 12 months of planning, we are so delighted to share our full Iconique, 2026 programme with you.
From a world première to iconic classical, commercial to contemporary, there is something to delight every dance novice and dance connoisseur alike.
Read on and book your seats before it is too late.
Don’t forget to share the love of dance - Inspire the next generation Book Matinée Tickets
Mickaël Lafon reveals all…
Paris Opéra Ballet, Sujét, Mickaël Lafon reveals all in this video. Discover what he and Myriam Ould Braham will be dancing at Iconique 2026.
Photo credit: Julien Benhamou
Partners in life, and on the stage, for the first time Paris Opéra Ballet, Sujét, Mickaël Lafon and Etoile, Myriam Ould Braham, will be performing a pas de deux from a new piece entitled DRIFT WOOD by Imre & Marne van Opstal. This unique piece has only been performed before in France, but will soon grace our stage at Iconique 2026 as an international première.
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
Scroll down to discover what else this exceptional couple will be dancing at Iconique, The Bahamas and preview this stunning new work.
Click below to watch a sneak preview of DRIFT WOOD.
Read our interview with Etoile, Myriam Ould Braham to discover more about what this iconic ballet couple will be dancing.
Mickaël Lafon & Myriam Ould Braham dancing at Hatch House in July 2023. Photo credit: Alice Pennefather.
ekleido performances at Iconique
Watch Hannah & Faye founders of ekleido describing what they will be dancing at Iconique, The Bahamas on 6th & 7th March, 2026.
We are delighted to reveal that ekleido are returning to join the Covent Garden Dance Company and will be premièring two signature pieces ‘SPLICE’ and ‘CLINQUANT’ at Iconique on Friday 6th & Saturday 7th March 2026 at The Island House, The Bahamas.
Watch Hannah & Faye’s video to discover more
Choreographed and Performed by: Hannah Ekholm & Faye Stoeser
Music composed by: Floating Points
Lighting Design: Joshie Harriette
Costume Design: George H Wale
Costume made by: George H Wale & Octavia Austin
Rehearsal Director: Oliver Chapman
Photography: Jack Thomson
Trailer Creation: Genevieve Reeves
A Bahamian Première
ekleido is a choreographic duo made up of Hannah Ekholm and Faye Stoeser who choreograph for live performance and film. They have both individually had extensive dance careers within the contemporary dance world, commercial industry and underground club/street dance scenes.
Their work has been performed at venues and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells, Latitude Festival, Ballet Nights at Ministry of Sound, Secret Garden Party, The Place, Lilian Baylis, Dance Festival Croydon, Fairfield Halls, Stanley Arts, Dance.Film.Performance.
We interviewed Hannah and Faye ahead of their appearances at Hatch House 2025 - you can read their interview by clicking the button below.
Ekleido's critically acclaimed SPLICE explores the connection and architecture between two dancers, finding the balance between limitation and possibility, featuring an original score by world-renowned electronic musician Floating Points.
Children’s Matinée at Iconique
Join us for our Iconique Children’s Matinée - Courtney Celeste Fox will be inspiring the next generation in this interactive and fun dance workshop.
The stuff that dreams are made of! We are delighted to return to The Bahamas with our second Children’s Matinée Performance - an unique opportunity to be inspired by dancers at the very height of their international careers.
Last year, both in The Bahamas and at Hatch House, we were honoured to collaborate with the extraordinarily talented Courtney Celeste Fox, a celebrated Bahamian ballerina. Not only did Courtney create an exciting new piece for our programme, but she also curated and hosted a fun, interactive matinée performance designed especially for children.
The 90-minute matinée, taking place between 11:00am and 12:30pm on Sunday, 8th March includes engaging audience interaction, an introduction to the behind-the-scenes world of theatre (including lighting, music cues, and stagecraft), and two performances from our main programme. Children are then invited to join Courtney on stage to learn and perform a joyful, high-energy choreography—an experience that is as entertaining as it is educational.
Courtney, known for both her artistic excellence and her warm, approachable presence, brings a wealth of experience working with children in performance and education. With technical support from our brilliant chief technician, Ella, the matinée promises to be a magical and memorable event for the whole family.
We hope to see you there!
To book, click the button below
Interview with Sara Mearns
Ahead of Iconique 2026, we caught up with Principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, Sarah Mearns to discover more about what excites her most about performing in The Bahamas.
After bravely sharing her story of her hearing loss with the world, we caught up with Principal of the New York City Ballet, Sara Mearns, ahead of her performances at Iconique 2026 on 6th and 7th March.
Photo credit: Mark Mann.
About Sara Mearns
Sara Mearns is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation and a Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the School of American Ballet before joining New York City Ballet in 2006. She was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2008, at just 22 years old. Renowned for her musical sensitivity, dramatic depth, and commanding stage presence, Mearns is particularly acclaimed for her interpretations of Balanchine and Robbins, as well as for her work with leading contemporary choreographers, including Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, and Pam Tanowitz. Her repertoire spans classical, neoclassical, and modern works, earning her widespread critical praise. Mearns has received numerous honours, including the Princess Grace Award and the Benois de la Danse.
What have you been working on recently, both professionally and personally?
I have been performing in New York City Ballet’s winter season and also working with Jodi Melnick on our full evening work, SuperBloom, that’s happening on March 27th and 28th at the 92st Y at the Harkness Center for Dance in New York. I’m also working on advocating for mental health in dancers and hearing loss in young people.
Sara Mearns advocating for hearing loss awareness
Have you danced in the Bahamas before? What excites you most about performing at Iconique 2026?
I have never danced or even travelled to the Bahamas before! This is all very exciting for me to experience the island and this gala.
You will be partnering with Robbie Fairchild - have you danced together before and if so where and what did you perform?
Robbie and I have known each other for over 20 years now and have performed together for almost the same amount of time. We of course performed at NYCB together, we have toured together, we have danced Twyla Tharp together, we have done it all. He is truly the best.
Photo credit: Sarah Silver.
What do you hope you leave the audience feeling as a result of watching you perform?
I never want to tell the audience how to feel or give them a preconceived notion of how they should feel when they watch dance. Every time I go out there, I feel something different, I dance it a different and new way, no show is ever the same for me, and I want the audience to feel whatever they need to when they are there. It’s all about being in the moment, fully, and without pressure.
You will be dancing alongside some stars of the international world of dance, who are you most looking forward to sharing the stage with?
I have always admired the dancers from the Royal Ballet in London, I think they are just the most beautiful, so I’m really looking forward to watching them from the wings.
Photo credit: Sarah Silver.
What will you be working on after Iconique?
Again, my project with Jodi Melnick, then NYCB’s spring season comes in April and may so will be working hard on that.
Can you share three things that people may not know about you?
- I have raced an F1 Ferrari road car at the Indi race course, and I love it.
- I have 50 percent hearing loss in both ears and perform with hearing aids in.
- I am a classical music fanatic.
Robbie Fairchild returns to Iconique
Ahead of Iconique 2026, we caught up with Robbie Fairchild to hear why he is excited to return to the Covent Garden Dance Company stage and reveal who he will be dancing with.
Since appearing at Iconique 2025, Robbie Fairchild has had an incredible year. We caught up with him ahead of his return to the Covent Garden Dance Company performances at Iconique 2026, to discover more about why Robbie is excited to return to The Bahamas on 6th and 7th March 2026.
Tell us all about your recent return to American in Paris, Robbie.
Being back on stage in an American in Paris, in Switzerland was so incredible. To be doing it 10 years later with Christopher Wheeldon, there working with me, (we hadn’t worked together on it on the show since 2017 when I did in London last); that was so special. Special to see how we have both changed - him as a Director, me as a performer and an actor - it meant the world to me to have that experience.
What have you done since your return from Geneva?
I have been straight into rehearsals for an evening of dance and song with The American Pops Orchestra that performs on February 3rd in Washington DC, in a non Trump affiliated theatre! We are working with Broadway dancers and it’s been really fun choreographing.
Why did you want to return to dance at Iconique 2026?
I wanted to return to Iconique, because there is something so special about the cultural exchange with the Bahamians, they are so kind, so sweet and to bring what we do in our part of our world to that gorgeous island, felt really wonderful and I am so happy to do it again.
Lauren Cuthbertson, Royal Ballet & Robbie Fairchild - Iconique 2026
Photo credit: Eddy Raphael
What was your favourite moment from Iconique 2025?
Getting to dance with Lauren Cuthbertson. She and I have been friends for almost a decade and had never danced together. We both dance Christopher Wheeldon stuff so often, so to get to do that together; her from London, me from New York, it was really, really special.
Photo credit: Eddy Raphael.
How would you describe the Iconique guest experience?
Wonderful! From what I know, guests have a beautiful three course dinner and between each course they get to see an incredible programme of works performed by this fabulous cast of dancers. And all in the Bahamas! What more could you want from an evening?!
Tell us who you will be partnering at Iconique 2026.
I will be dancing with Sara Mearns because she and I dance together a lot. We danced at New York City Ballet a lot and we have a Christopher Wheeldon pas de deux that is beautiful, that I thought would be perfect at Iconique. We have danced before at New York City Center, in Mexico, in Vale, the list goes on.
Sara Mearns and Robbie Fairchild dancing at New York City Center
Photo credit: Christopher Duggan
Robbie Fairchild coaching Royal Ballet Principals in The Two of Us, the piece he will dance with Sara Mearns at Iconique 2026.
What are you most looking forward to about Iconique 2026.
Seeing friends I made there last year; the hosts that we stayed with, seeing Matt (CGDC Director) again, seeing how this all comes about every year with the people who show up to make art in a beautiful place.
What do you prefer - the time on or behind stage more?
It’s both. It is all of it. It is meeting new people, seeing what they do and seeing what they do in other parts of the world and how we have a shared experience on stage and behind the scenes. It really is the full experience of it, that I love. I love the adventure of meeting new people.
Read our 2025 interview with Robbie Fairchild
Interview with Myriam Ould-Braham
Ahead of her performances with Mickaël Lafon at Iconique, The Bahamas, in March 2026, we interviewed Paris Opéra Ballet Étoile, Myriam Ould-Braham about her return to the stage and the pieces they will dance.
Myriam Ould-Braham at Hatch House in July 2023.
Photo Credit: Alice Pennefather
What have you been working on this year, since stepping back from your full time commitments at the Paris Opera Ballet, Myriam?
Following my official departure from the Paris Opera in May 2024, I had the opportunity to dance in some very beautiful theatres, such as La Scala in Milan, and to meet wonderful people: dancers, rehearsal pianists… These experiences made this transition more pleasant and smoother. They allowed me to take a step back and rethink time differently.
I then took a year to fully devote myself to my family, as well as to the things that are close to my heart and that my career had not always allowed me to explore, particularly teaching. This has always been essential to me, and this stage of my life confirmed how deeply attached I am to it.
After this precious break, I chose to return to dance. It is part of my life, and I feel the desire to continue having beautiful experiences, while continuing the teaching and sharing that are essential to me.
What will you dance at The Island House in the Bahamas?
I chose the first piece by Van Opstal after seeing the ballet in December. The creation deeply moved me; I was touched by the dedication of the Opera dancers and the strength emanating from this work. The pas de deux performed by Mickaël Lafon with Clémence Gros particularly moved me and completely amazed me. There is a great fluidity to it, with moments of beautiful intensity.
When I was invited to dance at Iconique with Mickaël, we immediately had the same desire: to share the pas de deux he had danced. For the second piece, we chose to dance the pas de deux from Le Parc. I am very happy to be able to present it for the first time. It is a pas de deux that we should have danced some time ago, but the conditions weren’t right. In March, we have the pleasure of presenting it to you, and we are deeply honoured.
Myriam Ould-Braham & Mickaël Lafon performing Swan Lake pas de deux at Hatch House 2023
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
What do you hope the audience will feel when you dance these pieces together?
I would like the audience to feel above all a unique moment, like a bubble of happiness. A moment of sweetness, out of time, that touches them and marks their evening.
What are you most looking forward to about returning to dance with the Covent Garden Dance Company?
What I am most looking forward to is reconnecting with dancers I have met abroad, catching up on their news, and seeing how they have progressed. These are always very special moments of sharing.
Hatch House 2023 - Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
Hatch House 2023 - Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
What will you work on when you return to Paris?
Upon my return to Paris, I will work on a creation that I am working on with Mickaël. We are fortunate to be able to dance with great musicians in an iconic location: the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
Have you ever danced in the Bahamas before? Will you bring your children with you?
Yes, we would like to take our children, since it is vacation time in Paris at that period. It is an exceptional event, and I find it wonderful to be able to share this moment with them. However, we do not wish to disrupt or impose ourselves. So we will see if it happens naturally.
What three things do people not know about you?
I am extremely shy, I love tranquility, and the third will remain my little secret!