Maya Plisetskaya (1925–2015), one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, was often referred to by her contemporaries as the “First Lady of Dance.” She represented a rare example of exceptional artistic longevity, having performed on stage for nearly sixty years and leaving behind a rich legacy in both Russian and world culture. Her work became an entire era in the history of ballet.
The programme of the evening will include renowned works from Maya Plisetskaya’s repertoire that have become part of ballet history, such as Carmen Suite, The Dying Swan, Don Quixote, as well as excerpts from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Stone Flower, Spartacus, Raymonda, Walpurgis Night, Shurale, Laurencia, and the choreographic miniature Melody from the opera Orpheus and Eurydice.
In partnership with Art for All.
Maya Plisetskaya (1925–2015), one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, was often referred to by her contemporaries as the “First Lady of Dance.” She represented a rare example of exceptional artistic longevity, having performed on stage for nearly sixty years and leaving behind a rich legacy in both Russian and world culture. Her work became an entire era in the history of ballet.
The programme of the evening will include renowned works from Maya Plisetskaya’s repertoire that have become part of ballet history, such as Carmen Suite, The Dying Swan, Don Quixote, as well as excerpts from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Stone Flower, Spartacus, Raymonda, Walpurgis Night, Shurale, Laurencia, and the choreographic miniature Melody from the opera Orpheus and Eurydice.
In partnership with Art for All. Book now
You may also be interested in the following events coming up at Cultural Foundation
A journey of wonder under desert skies! Reema, Queen of the Desert is a captivating stage adventure celebrating courage, compassion, and the magic of connection. Follow Reema, a gentle gazelle, as she crosses the desert with the help of Jareh the falcon, in search of the Magical Oasis and a chance to bring humans and animals closer together. A story filled with heart, imagination, and meaning for audiences of all ages.
An exclusive ladies-only immersive participative musical experience led by acclaimed vocalist Lamia Riahi, presented in collaboration with Highways Arabia. Her powerful voice blends the soul of golden-era Arab music with a refined contemporary touch, building on her celebrated interpretations of classical Tarab, her rich catalogue of 1990s-defining songs, and the phenomenal success of the “Riahiyat” Women’s Tarab Club, an artistic movement that bridges generations of women through the timeless elegance of Arab music.
Sophie and her mummy are settling down for afternoon tea when the doorbell rings and in pads a big, friendly, very hungry tiger! What begins as a polite visit turns into a whirlwind of giggles as the tiger eats all the sandwiches, drinks all the milk and leaves the kitchen quite empty. When Daddy comes home, the family head out for a special supper, and the next day they stock up just in case their stripy guest returns. Brimming with catchy songs, colourful sets and playful audience interaction, this heart-warming stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved classic celebrates curiosity, kindness, and the magic of an unexpected visitor. Perfect for families and children. Presented in partnership with Art For All.
Boom Diwan brings Khaleeji Jazz to Cultural Foundation, debuting a one-of-a-kind performance rooted in Khaleeji musical traditions and contemporary jazz. Founded by Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, Boom.Diwan is a collaborative ensemble whose driving Khaleeji rhythms and melodies form the core of the group’s sound. For this concert, they are joined by drummer Kweku Sumbry and bassist Rashaan Carter, both longtime collaborators of Ravi Coltrane and well-regarded musicians in the New York City jazz scene. Al-Mulaifi is a Grammy-nominated musician, an applied ethnomusicologist, a professor of Music at New York University, Abu Dhabi, and a Venice Biennale artist. Boom.Diwan has performed at Lincoln Center for globalFEST—one of the world’s leading global music festivals—and at WOMEX (World Music Expo), becoming the first Khaleeji band to appear in the history of both events.
Oliver Jeffers, award-winning author of How to Catch a Star and Lost and Found, returns with an inter-galactic tale about a little boy seeking adventure. One day a boy finds a plane in his cupboard. He flies his plane higher and higher until he runs out of petrol and lands on the moon. He is frightened, lost and alone until a passing Martin lands there too! Who is the strange alien? Can they be friends? And how will they find their Way Back Home? In partnership with Centre Stage Arts.
Cultural Foundation, in partnership with the EU delegation in Abu Dhabi, proudly presents the EU Film Festival of Abu Dhabi, an annual showcase of European cinema that brings diverse films from across Europe to UAE audiences. Featuring a wide range of genres, the festival promotes cultural exchange and explores universal themes such as identity, resilience, and social change. Set in Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub, the festival includes screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. In 2026, the festival will expand its program to support and spotlight local filmmakers, encouraging collaboration and fostering new creative opportunities between Europe and the UAE.
