Famous Ballets

What are the best ballets and ballet companies in the U.S. and Canada?
When discussing the best ballets, it’s essential to consider classical masterpieces and modern works that have significantly impacted them. Some of the most celebrated ballets include:

The Nutcracker

A quintessential holiday spectacle, “The Nutcracker” transforms the stage into a winter wonderland of wonder and whimsy. With Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, this ballet is a festive tapestry woven with dreams and magic. Its narrative, centered around young Clara’s fantastical journey with the Nutcracker Prince, encapsulates childhood innocence and the festive season’s warmth. The choreography, often a blend of classical ballet with touches of character dance, brings to life a dazzling array of characters, from the menacing Mouse King to the ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy. The ballet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the universal longing for joy and the marvel of the imaginary.

Swan Lake

“Swan Lake,” with Tchaikovsky’s profoundly moving music, stands as a towering masterpiece of classical ballet. Its narrative, a poignant tale of love, deception, tragedy, and beauty, revolves around the doomed romance of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. The dual role of Odette/Odile presents one of ballet’s most challenging and iconic performances, requiring technical prowess and deep emotional expression. The ballet’s choreography, especially the scenes featuring the corps de ballet as swans, epitomizes the harmony and grace of ballet. “Swan Lake” remains a testament to the enduring power of love and the sublime beauty of dance.

The Sleeping Beauty

“The Sleeping Beauty” is a splendid showcase of classical ballet’s grandeur, set to Tchaikovsky’s majestic score. This fairy-tale ballet, rich in narrative and choreographic detail, tells the story of Princess Aurora, cursed to sleep for a hundred years, only to be awakened by a prince’s kiss. The ballet is renowned for its lavish sets and costumes, intricate pas de deux, and the virtuosic Rose Adagio. Its choreography, a pinnacle of the classical style, demands technical precision and artistry, offering a panorama of ballet’s enchanting possibilities. “The Sleeping Beauty” celebrates love’s triumph and the splendor of balletic tradition.

Giselle

“Giselle” is a cornerstone of the romantic ballet repertoire, a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. The ballet unfolds the story of Giselle, a gentle peasant girl whose heartbreak leads her to an untimely death, and her subsequent protection of her beloved Albrecht from beyond the grave. The role of Giselle demands a dancer of exquisite expressiveness, capable of conveying the depth of despair and ethereal forgiveness. The ballet’s choreography, with its otherworldly Wilis and the poignant pas de deux, is a testament to the expressive power of dance. “Giselle” remains a profound exploration of the human heart’s resilience and the transcendent purity of love.

Romeo and Juliet

Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” brings Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to the ballet stage with gripping intensity and lyrical beauty. The story of the star-crossed lovers caught between feuding families in Renaissance Verona is given new life through expressive choreography that captures the enthusiasm of young love and the tragedy of its fate. The ballet’s pas de deux are particularly notable for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, encapsulating the passion and despair of the titular characters. “Romeo and Juliet” is a powerful testament to the enduring resonance of love and loss, rendered in the universal language of dance.

Anna Karenina

“Anna Karenina,” inspired by Tolstoy’s monumental novel, is a ballet that delves into the complexities of the human soul against the backdrop of Russian high society. The ballet captures Anna’s turbulent affair with Count Vronsky and the societal pressures that lead to her downfall. The choreography must navigate the intricate emotional landscapes of the characters, translating the novel’s depth into the physical language of ballet. This ballet is a study of feeling and emotion, exploring themes of passion, guilt, and the search for personal freedom within the constraints of society.

Carmen

“Carmen,” based on Bizet’s opera, is a fiery ballet that explores themes of desire, freedom, and fate. The story of the free-spirited gypsy Carmen and her tragic entanglement with Don José is brought to life through vibrant choreography that blends classical ballet with Spanish dance elements. The ballet’s energy is palpable, with a score that drives the narrative forward with urgency and passion. Carmen’s character, a symbol of independence and sensuality, demands a dancer of formidable presence and charisma. “Carmen” celebrates the spirit’s untamable nature, set against a fate that cannot be escaped.

Don Quixote

“Don Quixote,” inspired by Cervantes’ classic tale, is a ballet filled with humor, bravado, and Spanish flair. Centering on the whimsical adventures of Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza, the ballet also weaves in the romantic subplot of Kitri and Basilio. The choreography is known for its lively character dances, virtuosic pas de deux, and comedic elements, all set to a spirited score that captures the warmth of Spain. This ballet showcases technical brilliance and theatricality, offering a joyful escape into a world of chivalrous fantasies and romantic escapades.

Jewels

“Jewels,” by George Balanchine, is a unique ballet in three parts: “Emeralds,” “Rubies,” and “Diamonds,” each inspired by a different gemstone and evoking a distinct musical and choreographic style. “Emeralds” whispers of French elegance and romanticism, “Rubies” captures the jazz-infused energy of America, and “Diamonds” pays homage to the grandeur of Russian ballet. Without a narrative, this abstract ballet focuses on the purity of form and the emotional resonance of music and movement. “Jewels” celebrates ballet’s diverse beauty, a testament to Balanchine’s genius in exploring the art form’s boundless possibilities.

Onegin

Based on Pushkin’s novel, “Onegin” is a ballet that delves into love, regret, and fate. The story follows the arrogant Eugene Onegin as he dismissively rejects the young Tatiana’s love, only to realize his mistake too late. The ballet, particularly in John Cranko’s choreography, is celebrated for its expressive pas de deux that captures the narrative’s emotional intensity and dramatic shifts. “Onegin” is a moving exploration of human relationships, beautifully rendered through the nuanced language of ballet, offering a poignant reflection on the choices that shape our lives.