Black Dog Noir - 13th June 2026

Something haunts the cliffs of Bouley Bay.

Internationally acclaimed choreographer Jeroen Verbruggen is heading to Jersey to bring one of the Island's most haunting legends to life on stage: the infamous Black Dog, a spectral hound said to stalk the Island's rugged north coast.

According to local folklore, the Black Dog's glowing eyes and chilling howls would appear before the worst of storms, sometimes luring unwitting smugglers to a violent, watery death, other times scaring fishermen away from their boats, thus saving their lives. Angel or demon? Protector or predator? Omen or saviour? The only certainty is the fear that takes hold whenever the Black Dog is near.

This powerful new dance work will be an abstract narrative - part shadowed fairytale, part surreal psychological thriller - drawing inspiration from Jersey folklore, ancient myths, and the untamed landscapes of the mind.

Blending visceral storytelling with bold visual choreography, Verbruggen’s latest creation promises to be a striking exploration of fear, duality, and the primal forces that shape our legends.

‍About choreographer Jeroen Verbruggen
Jeroen is a celebrated Belgian-born choreographer and former principal dancer, now based in Berlin and recognised across Europe for his dynamic and emotionally resonant work. He trained at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in Antwerp and Canada's National Ballet School before joining the Royal Ballet of Flanders. He later spent ten years as a principal dancer with Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.

Jeroen made his choreographic breakthrough in 2012 with Kill Bambi for Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, a critically acclaimed work broadcast across Europe. His full-length reinterpretation of The Nutcracker for Geneva Ballet has become a firm repertory favourite.

Renowned for his bold and visually imaginative choreography, Jeroen has created original works for leading international companies, including Ballet National de Marseille, National Dance Company Wales, Finnish National Ballet, Ballet Moscow, Staatsballett Hannover, and more. His diverse productions - ranging from the Hitchcock-inspired Sciamachy to inventive reimaginings of classical ballets - are widely praised for their emotional intensity and striking theatrical worlds.

Start time: 19:30
Run time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes, including interval

Tickets from £5.00 / Pay What You Can - available soon via the Jersey Opera House website.