The Must-Sees of 2016: Dance Frankenstein to Natalia Osipova

The critics’ guide to the hottest tickets of the year ahead

Frankenstein (AKA )

DANCE

Scottish Ballet’s Swan Lake

Choreographer David Dawson is better known internationally than in his native Britain. This year, he’s creating a new version of the world’s best-loved ballet for Scottish Ballet, promising a bold approach.

19 to 23 April, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, then touring

Crystal Pite

One of the world’s most exciting choreographers returns with Betroffenheit, a collaboration with Jonathon Young. It’s stern stuff, dealing with grief, addiction and recovery.

31 May to 1 June, Sadler’s Wells, London

(MichaelSlobodian)

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s gothic tale of dangerous science as a ballet? Liam Scarlett, an in-demand choreographer with a fondness for gruesome stories, is giving it a go. His production for the Royal Ballet will have a commissioned score by Lowell Liebermann and designs by John Macfarlane.

4 to 27 May, Royal Opera House, London

Natalia Osipova

The riveting Russian ballerina commissions new works from contemporary choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant and Arthur Pita.

29 June to 3 July, Sadler’s Wells, London

Natalia Osipova (Nikolai Gulakov)

Akram Khan’s Giselle

English National Ballet steps away from tradition with its new production of the Romantic classic. Choreographer Akram Khan, trained in Indian classical and contemporary dance, will create his own version, with designs by Oscar winner Tim Yip.

27 September to 1 October, Palace Theatre, Manchester, then touring