The 24/25 ballet season promises to be an extraordinary one, and at En Face Magazine we can hardly contain our excitement! We’ve handpicked the performances from each of our beloved partner’s season lineup that have us counting down the hours until opening night. Dive in and discover what we’re most looking forward to!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Sacred Songs
December 4, 2024–January 5, 2025
Photo credit: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Photo by Dario Calmese.
At their New York City Center Season, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing presents the world premiere of Sacred Songs, which resurrects and reimagines the spirituals used in the original version of Alvin Ailey’s seminal Revelations that were later omitted. Drawing inspiration from the roots of Mr. Ailey’s most venerated and consummate creation, this stirring new work will resurrect and reimagine those spirituals—with the collaboration of musical director Du’Bois A’Keen—as an offering to the present needs for lamentation, faith, and joy.
Learn more about Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
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Ballet Austin: Love’s Gentle Spring
March 28–30, 2025
Photo Credit: Art Direction Way Creative. Photo by Michael Thad Carter.
Following the success of POE / A Tale of Madness, Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills presents a world premiere in two parts. The first work is set to Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96.” Nicknamed the American Quartet, Dvořák wrote this piece while enjoying a summer vacation in Spillville, Iowa. Completed in only thirteen days, this was Dvořák’s second attempt at writing a quartet in F major. Featuring live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the moving melodies of Dvořák’s composition evoke the exuberant feelings of springtime.
The second piece on the program features the music of contemporary composer and Grammy Award–winning artist Bryce Dessner: guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter for his band, The National. Called “a vital and rare force in new music,” Dessner’s compositions have been performed by Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and many more. He has worked with a variety of artists, including Philip Glass, Paul Simon, Bon Iver, and Taylor Swift on her song “Coney Island.” Dessner’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” written for and first performed by Katia and Marielle Labèque, premiered in 2018 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Dessner regularly tours with his band, including a recent performance at Austin’s Moody Center in November of 2023.
Learn more about Ballet Austin.
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
May 29–June 1, 2025
Ballet Hispánico’s New York City Center season presents their take on Bizet’s passionately crafted tragedy, CARMEN.maquia, a contemporary look at a beloved classic that is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s quintessential work revitalizes Bizet’s timeless tale as bold and electrifying. Highly original and full of elaborate partnering, CARMEN.maquia is thrilling and audacious, hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times. “Picasso used to say that Carmen was like the bull that nobody could domesticate or control, no? So, we found that similarity where Carmen is like the bull, we just took “tauromaquia,” and took “tauro” out and put “Carmen” in.”—Choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano
Learn more about Ballet Hispánico.
Ballet Idaho: Pulcinella Suite
October 25–27, 2024
Photo Credit: Image from New York City Ballet.
As part of Ballet Idaho’s fall repertory program, Sound In Motion, the company will make history by presenting the iconic choreographer Justin Peck’s work on their stage for the first time. Collaborating with the Boise Phil, Ballet Idaho also offers a unique live musical experience for the performance. The highlight of the program will be Peck’s acclaimed Pulcinella Suite, set to Igor Stravinsky’s vibrant and intricate score. Originally created for the New York City Ballet, this work showcases Peck’s renowned dynamic range, technical innovation, and virtuosity, qualities that Ballet Idaho’s dancers embody beautifully.
Learn more about Ballet Idaho.
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Ballet RI: Rodin
November 1–3, 2024
Photo Credit: The Saint-Petersburg State Academic Leonid Yacobson Ballet Theatre
Dance leaps off the page at a repertory evening of works at Ballet RI titled Art & Literature Meet Ballet. A highlight of the evening will be Rodin, a series of choreographic miniatures that has been inspired by Auguste Rodin’s art.
These miniatures make the great French impressionist’s sculptures come to life, exalting true love in a poignant, free-spirited, ardently poetic hymn that speaks of the feeling’s every facet, from the very first, tentative inkling of affection to the summer’s noon heat of passionate caresses and the scorching touch of ferocious desire.
Ballet Sun Valley – TBD
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While not announced yet, stay tuned later this fall! With prior guests including Dutch National Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and more, we know it’s going to be amazing!
Learn more about Ballet Sun Valley.
Boston Ballet: Vestris
March 20–30, 2025
Photo credit: Photo of Derek Dunn by Rachel Neville
Part of the Winter Experience 2025 program, Vestris is a solo ballet originally created for Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1969 by the brilliant choreographer Leonid Yakobson and is only performed by the best male dancers in history. Vestris is about embodying the flamboyant flavor of Auguste Vestris, a renowned Parisian dancer in the 1700s. He was supposed to have said that there were only three great men in all of Europe: the King of Prussia, Voltaire, and himself. Boston Ballet is the only American company trusted to present this work today.
Learn more about Boston Ballet.
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Dance Theatre of Harlem – TBD
April 10–13, 2025
Photo credit: Photo by Jeff Cravotta
While programming has not been officially announced, tickets are now on sale for Dance Theatre of Harlem’s New York City Center season this coming April.
A singular presence in the ballet world for over 55 years, Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a range of dynamic programs that display the legendary company’s unique and significant vision for classical ballet.
Learn more about Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Indianapolis Ballet – Square Dance
September 20–24, 2024
In their fall repertory program titled Square Dance, a highlight is the ballet of the same name. In Square Dance, Balanchine joined the traditions of American folk dance with classical ballet. He felt the two types of dance, though widely different in style, had common roots and a similar regard for order. He wrote: “The American style of classical dancing, its supple sharpness and richness of metrical invention, its superb preparation for risks, and its high spirits were some of the things I was trying to show in this ballet.”
Learn more about Indianapolis Ballet.
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Nashville Ballet: Dia de Los Muertos
October 17–20, 2024
Photo credit: Nashville Ballet. Photo by MA2LA.
Experience the world premiere Dia de Los Muertos with Nashville Ballet’s unique performance, inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Choreographed by NB2 Director Maria Konrad, this visual feast celebrates the life and death, family bonds, and shared humanity. With dynamic pacing, the show ignites imaginations across all ages through vivid costumes, soul-stirring music, and sheer joy. Witness this world premiere that bridges Mexican traditions with Nashville’s cultural landscape, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of this beloved holiday.
Learn more about Nashville Ballet.
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Oregon Ballet Theatre: Marilyn
April 4–13, 2025
Oregon Ballet Theatre offers a new ballet about a true icon: Movie star. Ingenue. Lover. Survivor. Marilyn. Dani Rowe’s first full-length ballet, Marilyn features an original score by Shannon Rugani, iconic costumes by Emma Kingsbury and an arresting set design by Emma Kingsbury and David Finn. This internationally recognized and female-led creative team brings audiences powerful storytelling as 36-year-old Marilyn Monroe looks back at her life and memories through the only lens that matters: her own.
Learn more about Oregon Ballet Theatre.
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty
January 31–February 9, 2025
The centerpiece of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s season will be the world premiere production of The Sleeping Beauty, staged by Boal in collaboration with dance historian Doug Fullington and a design team with some of the leading artists of our time.
Learn more about Pacific Northwest Ballet.
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Philadelphia Ballet: La Sylphide
May 8–11, 2025
At Philadelphia Ballet’s performance of La Sylphide (also featuring Études), a young farmer awakens to the call of a magical forest spirit, after which his growing infatuation puts his marriage, his happiness—and even his own life at risk. A crowning piece of the Romantic tradition, La Sylphide parts the misty Scottish Highlands with new choreography from Artistic Director Angel Corella.
Learn more about Philadelphia Ballet.
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Sacramento Ballet – Romeo & Juliet
February 14 –16, 2025
Dancers: Enrico Hipolito & Sarah Joan Smith. Photo: Tony Nguyen.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, world-renowned Korean choreographer Young Soon Hue unveils a groundbreaking interpretation of Romeo and Juliet! Brace yourself for an extraordinary fusion of love, drama, and movement, set to Prokofiev’s striking score played live by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera.
Learn more about Sacramento Ballet.
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Saint Louis Ballet: Carousel (A Dance)
April 25–27, 2025
Part of their Feels Like Broadway repertory program, this charming distillation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Carousel recalls the poignant romance and thrilling drama of the celebrated Broadway production. The ballet is a distillation of Carousel’s central romance, and it is evocative of the “dream ballets” found in many musicals of that era.
Learn more about Saint Louis Ballet.
San Francisco Ballet: Manon
January 24–February 1, 2025
The Royal Ballet in Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon // Photograph by Foteini Christofilopoulou, courtesy of Royal Ballet.
Manon, a devastating and dramatic ballet and one of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s most widely celebrated works, will be performed for the first time by San Francisco Ballet. Manon delves into human psychology and explores the juxtaposition between Manon’s impoverished origins and the lavish world she longs to inhabit.
Learn more about San Francisco Ballet.
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The Washington Ballet: ALICE (in wonderland)
April 24–27, 2025
Fall down the rabbit hole with Edwaard Liang’s ALICE (in wonderland). This fantastical adventure will come to life with familiar characters from Lewis Carroll’s stories. Journey alongside Alice as she tumbles into the whimsical wonderland, encountering curious creatures, magical transformations, and the elusive White Rabbit. With vibrant costumes, playful puppetry and zany choreography, this production will entertain the whole family with an unforgettable escape into a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Learn more about The Washington Ballet.
Texas Ballet Theater: Lamentation Variations
February 21–23 & February 28–March 2, 2025
At their International Women repertory performance, Lamentation Variations is inspired by legendary choreographer Martha Graham’s wrenching elegy in movement, Lamentation. Three distinctive guest choreographers have created their own interpretations as part of the Graham Trust’s continuing commemoration of the tragedy of 9/11.
Learn more about Texas Ballet Theater.
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As we gear up for another season of breathtaking ballet, En Face Magazine will be with you every step of the way. Stay tuned for in-depth reviews, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that bring the magic of these performances to life. Here’s to a season full of wonder and inspiration!
