London City Ballet back on stage after 30 years

The London City Ballet has not performed since 1996

The London City Ballet (LCB) has returned to the stage again nearly 30 years after it ended operations.

It has re-established itself at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in Angel, north London, where the company was previously based.

It is recognised as one of the world’s leading dance companies, and was patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales, before closing its doors in 1996 due to financial struggles.

Artistic director Chris Marney said he wanted to relaunch the company to "introduce people to dance".

Artistic director Chris Marney said he was excited to continue the company's "rich history"

Mr Marney, who is a former dancer, said performances would be more contemporary for a modern audience.

"I wanted to take the company in a new direction for this generation," he said.

He added that the repertoire was "less like traditional classical ballets" and said the company "will not be performing Swan Lake or Cinderella like some companies do".

Mr Marney, previously a director of the Joffrey Ballet Company in Chicago, said he recognised that it was "financially a difficult time to tour", but added: "Because companies aren't touring, there's a gap in the market.

"There's a demand for ballet and there are many theatres around that are being underserved by dance companies travelling through them," he added.

The artistic director said the inaugural tour with the company had so far been a success, adding: "What we're finding on the road, is that audiences want it and audiences are coming to see us."

London City Ballet will finish a run of performances at Sadler's Wells Theatre this week before moving on to a world tour.