16 May 2017
Cast Changes: English National Ballet Japan Tour in July 2017

We have received the news from English National Ballet that Alina Cojocaru will be unable to participate in their Japan tour in July 2017 due to her pregnancy.

Accordingly, some changes will be made to the originally announced casting as below. Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Coppélia
Saturday 8 July 2017, 13:00
Swanhilda:Alina Cojocaru → Jurgita Dronina

Le Corsaire
Monday 17 July 2017, 14:00
Medora:Alina Cojocaru → Maria Kochetkova

Jurgita Dronina
Maria Kochetkova

*Casting as of 16 May 2017

≪Message by English National Ballet≫

English National Ballet today announces that due to pregnancy Alina Cojocaru will no longer perform the roles of Swanhilda and Medora in Japan as previously advertised. We are pleased to welcome Guest Artists Jurgita Dronina and Maria Kochetkova who will replace Cojocaru in Tokyo. Tamara Rojo will perform the role of Swanhilda in Nagoya.

Alina Cojocaru said: "I am sorry not to be able to perform with English National Ballet in Japan this summer. I always enjoy and treasure performing for my Japanese audience. I am looking forward to the new chapter in my life and to be back performing in Japan soon."

Currently Principal with the National Ballet of Canada Jurgita Dronina most recently performed with English National Ballet in Mary Skeaping's Giselle at the London Coliseum. Dronina performs in the role of Swanhilda in Coppélia on Saturday 8 July, matinee performance.

Guest Artist Maria Kochetkova makes her return to English National Ballet this summer, when she performs in the role of Medora in Le Corsaire on Monday 17 July. Currently Principal with San Francisco Ballet, Kochetkova recently performed as part of the World Ballet Festival and with La Scala Ballet in Japan last year.

English National Ballet also welcomes back Guest Artists Osiel Gouneo, Principal with Norwegian Ballet, and Brooklyn Mack, Principal with Washington Ballet, who perform following their performances with the Company in Le Corsaire at the London Coliseum and the Palais Garnier last year.

Artistic Director of English National Ballet Tamara Rojo CBE said: "It is a reflection of English National Ballet's reputation that we are able to attract outstanding talent from across the world to perform with the Company. I am thrilled that Japanese audiences will have the opportunity to witness Jurgita, Maria, Osiel, and Brooklyn, some of the worlds most gifted artists, perform alongside our incredibly talented dancers this summer."