Best Ballet Companies

Founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, the New York City Ballet stands as a pillar of classical and contemporary ballet.

Celebrated for its combination of size, scope, and outreach, the American Ballet Theatre, founded in 1939, is recognized as one of the most prestigious dance companies globally.

Founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, this company revolutionized the modern American dance scene, emphasizing the celebration of African American culture.

Since its founding in 1969, Houston Ballet has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic ballet companies in the United States, known for its exceptional repertoire that spans classical to contemporary.

Since its inception in 1963, Boston Ballet has distinguished itself as a leading dance company worldwide, known for its versatility and the breadth of its repertoire, which spans from classical to cutting-edge contemporary works.

Founded in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, it broke traditional boundaries to become one of the most revered dance companies, known for its eclectic repertoire and groundbreaking commissions.

Based in Seattle and founded in 1972, Pacific Northwest Ballet is celebrated for its daring and innovative productions.

Under the visionary leadership of Helgi Tomasson since 1985, it has been at the forefront of innovation in ballet, with a strong emphasis on new works and a diverse repertoire that includes full-length classics and contemporary pieces.

Known for its vibrant energy and technical precision, Miami City Ballet, founded in 1985 by Edward Villella, has quickly risen to prominence.

Philadelphia Ballet, founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger with the guidance of George Balanchine, has a rich tradition of Balanchine repertoire and a commitment to new choreography, making it a key player in the development of American ballet.

Established in 1951 and based in Toronto, the National Ballet of Canada is renowned for its diverse repertoire that spans classical to contemporary ballet.

As Canada’s oldest ballet company and North America’s longest-continuously operating ballet company, founded in 1939, RWB holds a special place in the country’s cultural landscape. Known for its versatility and wide-ranging repertoire, RWB combines classical discipline with pioneering new works.

Since 1957, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal has been a leader in contemporary ballet, known for its innovative and adventurous productions.

Based in Vancouver and founded in 1986, Ballet BC has emerged as a contemporary ballet company with a reputation for bold and innovative performances.

Founded in 1966, Alberta Ballet has become one of Canada’s premier ballet companies, known for its beautiful performances of traditional ballets and its commitment to contemporary dance.