6-Ballet packages start at just $210.
SALT LAKE CITY (April 1, 2025) – Ballet West announces its 2025-26 season with seven productions, including West Side Story Suite, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet. With five Utah premieres, two world premieres, and unforgettable storytelling, Ballet West and Ballet West Orchestra are slated to deliver a vibrant celebration of dance and passion.
With subscriptions on sale April 1, at BalletWest.org or 801-869-6920, the season begins Oct. 24, at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre and is generously sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, and Salt Lake Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP).
From the timeless romance of Romeo & Juliet to the magical wonder of Peter Pan, the season also features dynamic historical works such as Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Noces and The Dream, alongside Broadway favorites like Robbins’ West Side Story Suite. Adding to this rich tapestry, the season includes renowned modern creations such as Wheeldon’s After the Rain and a world premiere by Donald Byrd. Ballet West’s upcoming season reflects its commitment to artistic excellence and diverse repertoire.
“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.”
The first curtain rises Oct. 24 with one of Shakespeare’s most heartrending tales, Romeo & Juliet. Its world-renowned choreography by Michael Smuin paired with Sergei Prokofiev’s iconic score as performed by the Ballet West Orchestra will immerse audiences in lush drama, calculated sword fighting, and sweeping romanticism through Nov. 1.
From Nov. 7 to 15, audiences will experience the magic comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, brought to life by Sir Frederick Ashton in The Dream and danced to Mendelssohn’s enchanting score. It is paired with Stravinsky’s stirring Les Noces, the groundbreaking 1923 masterpiece choreographed by a woman—Bronislava Nijinska, with scenic and costume designs also by a woman—Natalia Goncharova.
“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 that are designed to captivate audiences in unique and engaging ways.”
A beloved holiday tradition returns in its full grandeur with The Nutcracker. Running from Dec. 5 to 27, Ballet West’s iconic Nutcracker, first staged in 1944 by founder Willam Christensen, is a signature masterpiece, uniting families during the holidays through a living piece of dance history. Tchaikovsky’s transcendent score, performed live by the Ballet West Orchestra, brings the family classic to life.
In honor of its 80th anniversary in 2024, Christensen’s The Nutcracker was named a Living Historic Landmark by Utah, the first such designation for a ballet in U.S. history.
The Ballet West season continues from Feb. 13 to 21, with the Utah premiere of Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan, featuring breathtaking aerial choreography set to Sir Edward Elgar's masterful score. “It’s exciting to introduce a new full length story ballet to our audiences.” Sklute continues, “Peter Pan is perfect for newcomers and aficionados alike. I love how the choreographer has taken this 1911 story and created a unique ballet/theater experience.” Sklute adds “It’s a complex production; 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.”
On March 27 and 28, Ballet West’s World Premiere of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Pamela Robinson is this season’s Family Classics Series, the first new creation in seven years. Following the format of running just over an hour with one intermission and including a narration to tell the story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is fun-filled and just spooky enough for younger children. One performance will include the narration in Spanish and the whole ballet will be performed by Ballet West II and students from the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy.
From April 10 to 18, Ballet West presents four Utah premieres with Broadway & Beyond—including the work of two renowned Tony-winning choreographers, Jerome Robbins and Christopher Wheeldon, known for their work in Broadway musicals and the ballet stage. Wheeldon’s Carousel (A Dance) is a dance poem to Richard Rogers’ heartwarming music, and Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story Suite combines the songs and steps directly from the iconic musical.
“West Side Story, Broadway & Beyond will take our artists and our audiences alike on a journey never before seen on the Ballet West stage!” says Sklute. “West Side Story Suite will use the whole company plus local Broadway singers, and we are excited to welcome Broadway star, former New York City Ballet Principal, Utah native, and BW Academy alumnus Robbie Fairchild in the role of Riff alongside former NYCB Soloist Georgina Pazgoquin in the role of Anita!”
With a fresh eye toward modern dance, Choreographic Festival VII: Spotlight Utah! will run May 13 to16, featuring an unprecedented gathering of four companies in the joining of forces. Utah’s modern dance giants—Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and SALT Contemporary Dance—each bring their own distinctive and incomparable works to the stage as Ballet West presents a world premiere by legendary choreographer Donald Byrd.”
“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, giving our audiences the vast variety of stories, styles, and music that have become Ballet West’s hallmark,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute.
Choreographers, designers, and dancers from across the globe will collaborate to produce an unforgettable season. This dynamic blend of talent exemplifies Ballet West's reputation as not only a preservationist of classical works but also a trailblazer in contemporary ballet.
High Resolution Photos & Logos: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/WwjCgfsOiy
Photo credit: Beau Pearson, Ballet West
Subscriptions for Ballet West’s 2025-26 season are available April 1 at BalletWest.org and 801-869-6920. Season subscriptions offer patrons priority seating, discounted rates, and additional benefits, including exclusive behind-the-scenes events. Single tickets for each program, if available, will be on sale Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 10 AM (with a presale on for members on Monday, Aug. 25).
Subscribers to the 2025/26 season will enjoy exclusive benefits, including free ticket exchanges, up to 40% off single-ticket prices, priority seating, and first access to purchase additional tickets to The Nutcracker. Six-performance packages start at just $210.
Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts and the best seats.
Heritage Club Members will have access to exclusive insider events, including in-studio rehearsals, intermission receptions, free parking, and more.
Don’t miss this extraordinary season of dance, music, and storytelling. Visit BalletWest.org or call 801-869-6920 to ensure your seat at these magical performances.
Romeo & Juliet
Oct. 24 – Nov. 1
EPIC REVIVAL
The Greatest Tragic Love Story of All Time! Romeo & Juliet is a visceral, immersive experience with sumptuous costumes, dramatic sword fights, passionate pas de deux, and a ravishing score by Prokofiev.
Choreography: Michael Smuin
Music: Sergei Prokofiev
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Les Noces
Nov. 7 - 15
2 MASTERPIECES
Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Unwitting lovers go into the woods filled with mischievous fairies in this charming farce to the music of Mendelssohn. Paired with Bronislava Nijinska’s revolutionary 1923 artistic masterpiece to Stravinsky’s startling vocal oratorio.
Les Noces
Choreography: Bronislava Nijinska
Music: Igor Stravinsky
The Dream
Choreography: Sir Frederick Ashton
Music: Felix Mendelssohn
The Nutcracker
PRESENTED BY THE GEORGE S. AND DOLORES DORÉ ECCLES FOUNDATION
Dec. 5 – 27
Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker
AMERICA’S FIRST NUTCRACKER
Ballet West's historic production, created in 1944, is now named a Living Historic Landmark--the first such designation for a ballet! PLUS, NEW Nutcracker Memberships are now available.
Choreography: Willam Christensen
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Peter Pan, Soar into Neverland!
Feb. 13 – 21
UTAH PREMIERE
The charming story from the 1911 J.M. Barrie novel! This reimagining of Peter Pan is an adventure with characters that will literally fly through the air. Dancing shadows, mermaids, pirates, and pixie dust abound to the music of Sir Edward Elgar.
Choreography: Trey McIntyre
Music: Sir Edward Elgar as arranged by Niel DePonte
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
March 27 – 28
WORLD PREMIERE!
Witness The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as it comes to life on stage in this brand-new Family Classics Series production. Funny and just spooky enough, its perfect for children and families!
Choreography: Pamela Robinson-Harris
Music: Various Artists
Broadway and Beyond
Carousel (A Dance), Antique Epigraphs, After the Rain (Pas de Deux), and West Side Story Suite
April 10 – 18
4 UTAH PREMIERES
The work of two legendary Tony-award winning choreographers, and a guest appearance by Utah native Broadway star Robbie Fairchild explode onto the stage with Carousel (A Dance), Antique Epigraphs, After the Rain, and West Side Story Suite! Christopher Wheeldon and Jerome Robbins dancing, acting and singing as never before!
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Richard Rogers
Choreographic Festival VII
May 13 - 16
3 GUEST COMPANIES
An unprecedented gathering of four of Utah’s most renowned dance companies. Featuring the best of Utah contemporary dance with guests Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and SALT Contemporary Dance; and a World Premiere for Ballet West by Tony-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Tim Brown, Candid Communications
tim@candidcom.com
Dana Rimington, Director of Communications and Publications
drimington@balletwest.org | 801-869-6918
ABOUT BALLET WEST
BALLET WEST, one of America’s leading ballet companies, under the artistic direction of Adam Sklute, has earned an international reputation for artistic innovation and excellence since its founding in 1963. For 62 years, the Salt Lake City-based Company has entertained and excited audiences in Utah and worldwide by presenting great classical ballets, historical masterpieces, including America’s first and longest-running version of The Nutcracker, and new cutting-edge creations with only the highest artistic and professional standards. Ballet West continues to build future ballet artists and audiences by providing classical ballet training through the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy and its four campuses and more than 1,000 students. Ballet West also operates one of the largest outreach and education programs in the country, which reaches over 148,000 children and adults throughout Utah and the Intermountain Region every year. The 25/26 Season is generously sponsored by Salt Lake Zoo, Arts & Parks and George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.