Ballet West’s 2025–26 season of timeless stories, bold premieres, and Broadway brilliance
Ballet West is pulling out all the stops for its 2025–26 season, unveiling a lineup that bridges Shakespearean drama, fairy-tale fantasy, groundbreaking modernism, Broadway showmanship, and world premieres by some of the most compelling choreographers of today.
From Romeo & Juliet to Peter Pan, from the beloved Nutcracker to a reimagined West Side Story Suite, the company’s upcoming season features seven productions that reflect Ballet West’s versatility and bold artistic vision. In total, audiences can expect five Utah premieres, two world premieres, and a renewed focus on storytelling that spans the ages.
“This season is about celebrating a grand and varied range of storytelling through ballet,” said Artistic Director Adam Sklute. “Versatility has become a hallmark of Ballet West, and the range of works presented will take our artists and our audiences on a journey of works and styles that is more varied than ever before.”
Season subscriptions, available now, start at $210, with Grand Tier Box packages priced at $745. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 2.
Shakespeare’s Greatest Love Story Reborn
The season opens October 24–November 1 with Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Michael Smuin. Known for its powerful mix of drama and passion, Smuin’s production features Prokofiev’s unforgettable score, performed live by the Ballet West Orchestra. This year features rebuilt sets and costumes.
Audiences will be swept into a Verona filled with rebuilt sets and costumes, designed to immerse them in the timeless tragedy. Expect dramatic sword fights, sweeping pas de deux, and a visceral theatrical experience.
“This revival is a visceral, immersive experience,” said Sklute. “It’s lush, romantic, and yet filled with the danger of the story.”
Since its premiere in 1930, Romeo & Juliet has become one of ballet’s most enduring narrative works, its universal themes of young love and tragic fate resonating across generations.
Comedy and Avant-Garde in Conversation
From November 7–15, Ballet West offers audiences two radically different masterpieces in one program: Sir Frederick Ashton’s The Dream, a charming ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Bronislava Nijinska’s revolutionary Les Noces.
In The Dream, Mendelssohn’s enchanting score provides the backdrop for Shakespeare’s woodland comedy, where mischievous fairies manipulate hapless lovers in a tangle of mistaken affections. This work highlights Ashton’s flair for wit, romance, and lyrical beauty.
Paired with it is Les Noces, choreographed by Nijinska in 1923 to Stravinsky’s startling vocal-orchestral score. The ballet, depicting a ritualistic Russian peasant wedding, was radical for its time. Nijinska, one of the few prominent female choreographers of her era, eschewed decorative femininity in favor of strong, architectural movement that empowered women and challenged cultural norms.
“Our two opening programs of the season present revivals of three masterpieces that range from drama, humor, and early avant-garde,” said Sklute. “Few companies can tackle such a broad spectrum of works designed to captivate audiences in unique and engaging ways.”
A Nutcracker Like No Other
No Ballet West season would be complete without The Nutcracker, running December 5–27 at the Capitol Theatre. First staged in 1944 by Ballet West founder Willam Christensen, this beloved version holds the distinction of being America’s first and longest-running Nutcracker.
Last year, in honor of its 80th anniversary, Utah designated Christensen’s production as a Living Historic Landmark, the first such recognition ever granted to a ballet in U.S. history.
This landmark production continues to unite generations of families each holiday season. From the grand Christmas tree and snow-filled wonderland to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sparkling pas de deux, the ballet’s iconic moments are brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s transcendent score, performed by the Ballet West Orchestra.
Flying Into Neverland with Peter Pan
February brings the Utah premiere of Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan (Feb. 13–21), a soaring full-length ballet based on J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel. This production blends spectacle and storytelling, featuring breathtaking aerial choreography and imaginative staging.
Set to Sir Edward Elgar’s sweeping score, arranged by Niel DePonte, the ballet introduces audiences to a Neverland filled with dancing shadows, shimmering mermaids, playful pirates, and of course, a dash of pixie dust. Costumes by Broadway designer Jeanne Button and ethereal lighting enhance the enchantment.
“It’s exciting to introduce a new full-length story ballet to our audiences,” said Sklute. “Peter Pan is perfect for newcomers and aficionados alike. The flying alone is so challenging that we will be taking a whole week in the theater before we open just for the dancers and crew to master it.”
A World Premiere for Families: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
March 27–28 marks the world premiere of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, choreographed by Pamela Robinson for Ballet West’s Family Classics Series.
This playful and slightly spooky production runs just over an hour, with narration to guide young audiences through Washington Irving’s iconic tale. One performance will even feature narration in Spanish. Performed by Ballet West II and students from the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy, the ballet combines accessibility with artistry, offering an introduction to live dance for children and families.
Broadway & Beyond: Robbins, Wheeldon, and more
April 10–18, Ballet West turns to Broadway for inspiration with Broadway & Beyond, a program featuring four Utah premieres.
The centerpiece is Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story Suite, a condensed version of the landmark musical blending ballet, jazz, and Latin dance. Ballet West will augment the production with local Broadway singers, including Utah native and Ballet West Academy alumnus Robbie Fairchild—former New York City Ballet principal—who will star as Riff. Former NYCB soloist Georgina Pazcoguin joins him as Anita.
Also on the program: Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs, a rarely performed, sculptural work; Robbins’ lyrical Carousel (A Dance), set to Richard Rodgers’ lush score; and Christopher Wheeldon’s hauntingly intimate After the Rain Pas de Deux.
“West Side Story, Broadway & Beyond will take our artists and audiences alike on a journey never before seen on the Ballet West stage,” Sklute said. “It is a true celebration of the connections between Broadway and ballet.”
Spotlight on Utah: Choreographic Festival VII
The season concludes May 13–16 with Choreographic Festival VII: Spotlight Utah, an unprecedented gathering of four companies. Ballet West will join forces with Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and SALT Contemporary Dance to present a showcase of Utah’s vibrant dance scene.
Highlighting the program are world premieres by Donald Byrd, the Tony-nominated choreographer known for blending social commentary with inventive movement, and Penny Saunders, an award-winning contemporary voice.
By sharing the stage with Utah’s most innovative modern companies, Ballet West underscores its commitment not only to international excellence but also to cultivating the state’s homegrown talent.
Preserving Tradition, Pioneering the Future
With seven productions spanning classical revivals, modern masterpieces, Broadway adaptations, and new works, Ballet West’s 2025–26 season demonstrates both reverence for tradition and a fearless embrace of the new.
It’s a reflection of the company’s evolution under Sklute, who has consistently emphasized versatility as a defining quality. “From revivals of some of our most beloved and important works to no fewer than six premieres, it is a season both joyous and profound,” he said. “It gives our audiences the vast variety of stories, styles, and music that have become Ballet West’s hallmark.”
Tickets and Subscriptions
Season subscriptions are now on sale at BalletWest.org or by phone at 801-869-6920. Subscribers receive exclusive benefits, including priority seating, discounts up to 40% off single-ticket prices, and first access to purchase additional tickets for The Nutcracker. Groups of 15 or more also qualify for special rates.
Single tickets for individual productions go on sale Sept. 2, with member presales opening Aug. 25.
With this season, Ballet West reaffirms its role as a guardian of ballet’s great traditions and a leader in pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be. Whether it’s the heartbreak of Romeo & Juliet, the wonder of Peter Pan, or the raw energy of West Side Story, Utah audiences are invited to experience a year of unforgettable dance.
