Best Ballet Companies

Exploring Premier Ballet Institutions in North America.
Dive into the illustrious world of ballet within North America, where the United States and Canada emerge as beacons of artistic brilliance in dance. The United States prides itself on hosting a myriad of distinguished ballet troupes, celebrated for their unparalleled artistic integrity, groundbreaking choreographic endeavors, and significant roles in advancing ballet as a cherished cultural art form. Similarly, Canada is home to renowned ballet companies with national and international recognition. These institutions are lauded for their exceptional artistry, captivating stage presentations, and pivotal contributions to the evolution and appreciation of ballet on the global stage.

Contents
List Of The Most Popular Ballet Companies in The United States and Canada

Top 15 Ballet Companies in North America

New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet

location David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, NYC

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.

American Ballet Theatre

American Ballet Theatre

location Metropolitan Opera House, NYC

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.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Tickets

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

location Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, NYC

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

Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet

location Brown Theater at Wortham Center, Houston, TX

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.

Boston Ballet

Boston Ballet

location Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston, MA

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.

Joffrey Ballet

Joffrey Ballet

location Lyric Opera House, Chicago, IL

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.

pacific-northwest-ballet tickets

Pacific Northwest Ballet

location McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA

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

San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet

location War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, CA

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.

Miami City Ballet

Miami City Ballet

location Ziff Opera House, Miami, FL

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

Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia Ballet

location Academy Of Music, Philadelphia, PA

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.

National Ballet Of Canada

National Ballet of Canada

location Four Seasons Centre, Toronto, CA

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

Royal Winnipeg Ballet Tickets

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

location Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, CA

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.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens Tickets

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal

location Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier At Place Des Arts, Montréal, CA

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

Ballet BC Tickets

Ballet BC

location Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, CA

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

Alberta Ballet

Alberta Ballet

location Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, CA

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.

Top Ballet Companies in the US

The United States boasts ballet companies renowned for their artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and impact, on the evolution of ballet as an art form. Here are some of the top and distinguished ballet companies in the U.S.:


  • New York City Ballet (NYCB): Located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, NYCB stands out as one of the premier ballet companies globally. It is celebrated for its modern style and is closely linked with the choreographer George Balanchine.
  • American Ballet Theatre (ABT): Also situated in New York City ABT is acknowledged for its diverse and classical repertoire. The company has housed dancers and choreographers in the realm of ballet.
  • San Francisco Ballet: Holding the title of America’s oldest professional ballet company San Francisco Ballet boasts a storied history and a repertoire that spans classical, to contemporary pieces.
  • Boston Ballet: Established in 1963 Boston Ballet ranks among North America’s top dance companies. It is recognized for its repertoire which includes neoclassical and contemporary works.
  • Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) is located in Seattle, Washington. Is famous, for its focus on performances in the Balanchine style as well as its dedication to presenting new and creative pieces.
  • Miami City Ballet draws inspiration from George Balanchine’s style. Is recognized for its performances filled with technical precision. The company showcases a mix of contemporary works.
  • Houston Ballet holds the title of the ballet company in the U.S. known for its talented dancers and commitment to introducing fresh works that contribute significantly to American dance.
  • Joffrey Ballet: Situated in Chicago, Illinois the Joffrey Ballet stands out for its repertoire blending dance pieces with traditional ballet performances.
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: While not exclusively a ballet company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater enjoys acclaim for integrating ballet, modern dance, and African dance elements into their performances.
  • Philadelphia Ballet: Formerly known as Pennsylvania Ballet Philadelphia Ballet boasts a collection of ballets alongside contemporary creations.

These renowned companies are lauded for their creative impact on the dance world and efforts, in education and community outreach. Their dynamic shows and innovative productions continue to influence the future of ballet.

Top Ballet Companies in Canada

Canada is home to some top-notch ballet companies that have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally for their artistry, captivating performances and contributions to the evolution of ballet. Here are a few of the ballet companies in Canada:


  • National Ballet of Canada; Situated in Toronto, Ontario this esteemed company stands out as one of the leading ballet troupes in the nation. It is renowned for its range of performances spanning from classical to ballet. The company often collaborates with acclaimed choreographers and artists.
  • Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB); Being Canadas ballet company and the running ballet troupe in North America the Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds a special place in Canadian cultural heritage. It is celebrated for its repertoire which includes classics as well as groundbreaking contemporary pieces.
  • Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal; Located in Montreal, Quebec this company is known for its innovative and diverse programming. Renowned for its approach to the ballet it embraces daring works with enthusiasm.
  • Ballet BC; Based in Vancouver, British Columbia Ballet BC is highly regarded for its inventive take on ballet. The company frequently collaborates with choreographers to bring fresh and stimulating creations to audiences, across Canada and worldwide.
  • Alberta Ballet, headquartered in Calgary and Edmonton is the foremost ballet company, in Western Canada. Renowned for its mix of ballets and modern creations the company often partners with known musicians and artists.

These organizations play a role in shaping Canadas scene and the global ballet community by presenting a diverse array of shows spanning from classical, to cutting edge performances. Additionally they actively engage in initiatives and community outreach efforts to inspire aspiring dancers and ballet lovers of tomorrow.

Best Ballets
Contemporary Choreography
Contemporary Choreography
Performances: 14
David H. Koch Theater
May 14, 2024 7:30 PM
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
Performances: 141
David H. Koch Theater
May 14, 2024 7:30 PM
Boston Ballet
Boston Ballet
Performances: 48
Citizens Bank Opera House
May 15, 2024 7:00 PM
Classic NYCB
Classic NYCB
Performances: 3
David H. Koch Theater
May 16, 2024 7:30 PM
All Stravinsky
All Stravinsky
Performances: 8
David H. Koch Theater
May 17, 2024 8:00 PM
21st Century Choreographers
21st Century Choreographers
Performances: 1
David H. Koch Theater
May 18, 2024 8:00 PM
Houston Ballet
Houston Ballet
Performances: 82
Brown Theater at Wortham Center
May 23, 2024 7:30 PM
Mayerling - Ballet
Mayerling - Ballet
Performances: 7
Brown Theater at Wortham Center
May 23, 2024 7:30 PM
American Ballet Theatre
American Ballet Theatre
Performances: 39
Segerstrom Center For The Arts - Segerstrom Hall
May 25, 2024 2:00 PM
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Performances: 14
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier At Place Des Arts
May 30, 2024 8:00 PM
Giselle
Giselle
Performances: 5
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier At Place Des Arts
May 30, 2024 8:00 PM
Coppelia
Coppelia
Performances: 14
McCaw Hall
May 31, 2024 7:30 PM
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Performances: 7
McCaw Hall
May 31, 2024 7:30 PM
National Ballet Of Canada
National Ballet Of Canada
Performances: 14
Four Seasons Centre
Jun 1, 2024 7:30 PM
Don Quixote - Ballet
Don Quixote - Ballet
Performances: 8
Four Seasons Centre
Jun 1, 2024 7:30 PM
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Performances: 16
Howard Gilman Opera House at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Jun 4, 2024 7:30 PM
Jewels
Jewels
Performances: 13
Kennedy Center Opera House
Jun 4, 2024 7:30 PM
Four Seasons - Ballet
Four Seasons - Ballet
Performances: 6
Brown Theater at Wortham Center
Jun 6, 2024 7:30 PM
George Balanchine's Jewels
George Balanchine's Jewels
Performances: 3
Four Seasons Centre
Jun 19, 2024 7:30 PM
Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey Ballet
Performances: 4
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Jun 21, 2024 7:30 PM
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