Boldly Retelling Classic and New Ballet Stories

For nearly 60 years, Alberta Ballet has inspired Albertans with brilliant productions, and the upcoming 2025/26 season will be no different, with spotlights on both beloved classics and world premieres. 

“I wanted to offer Alberta audiences an experience that brings together the very best of ballet — works that honour classical tradition while embracing bold, imaginative storytelling,” says artistic director Francesco Ventriglia. “Each ballet is distinct in style, tone and creative vision yet together, they create a powerful lineup, inviting audiences on a journey that lingers long after the final curtain falls.”

A monumental lineup

The season kicks off in September with Once Upon a Time – A Thousand Tales, a spellbinding production that brings together characters from fairy tales like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Aladdin. Guided by the White Rabbit, the magical journey seamlessly flows from one story to the next. The production — which sold out and garnered rave reviews when Alberta Ballet performed it at the Dubai Opera last April — will wow local ballet lovers.

In October, Alberta Ballet will honour legendary dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. Nijinsky, a triple bill, focuses on iconic masterpieces reimagined by three Canadian choreographers, each from a different generation. Audiences will be treated to a conversation across time as Nijinsky’s revolutionary era of ballet is given bold new perspectives and personal artistic flair.  

Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition, and, in 2025, Ventriglia will infuse it with a renewed enchantment. The world premiere will feature new choreography, new sets and redesigned costumes while keeping beloved hallmarks like live music from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The event is certain to be the holiday highlight of December. 

In January, The Winter Gala will be an electrifying celebration of ballet’s past, present and future. This dazzling one-night-only event will unite the artistry of Alberta Ballet’s professional dancers with the exceptional talent of Alberta Ballet School’s elite dance students. An annual tradition since Ventriglia took leadership of Alberta Ballet, it gains more fans each year. Now in its third year, the Gala will showcase ballet’s extraordinary emotional power.

Love will be in the air in February as Alberta Ballet presents Romeo & Juliet. Ventriglia has paired up with three-time Academy Award-winning designer James Acheson (The Last Emperor, Dangerous Liaisons, Restoration). Together, they have packed this tale of love and tragedy with grand duets and electrifying sword fights. 

In March, the majestic elegance of Swan Lake gains powerful emotional resonance as Alberta Ballet teams up with a live orchestra again. A Canadian premiere, this version is choreographed by Benjamin Pech, a former étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet. Classical ballet fans can watch for a dramatic shift in Pech’s version as the character Benno is recast from Siegfried’s loyal friend to a more sinister player.

In May, the season crescendos with a rare grand finale as Alberta Ballet becomes the first company in North America to stage Roland Petit’s Notre Dame de Paris. This masterpiece transports audiences to the streets of medieval Paris through bold choreography, dramatic storytelling and iconic costume design by Yves Saint Laurent. The powerful tale of Esmeralda and Quasimodo will come to life in a stirring portrayal of desire, power and sacrifice.

Experience the magic

With seven stories, never before told quite like this, the 2025/26 Alberta Ballet season promises to move and inspire. With a season subscription, you won’t miss a moment. A subscription saves you money on tickets, gets you premier access and complimentary parking, and you’ll get to experience the magic of every show during this monumental season. 

“Shaped by visionary choreographers, designers and musicians from around the world, this season is a rich tapestry of storytelling and stagecraft. Their artistry, combined with the passion and dedication of our dancers, ensures that every performance is an unforgettable experience,” says Ventriglia. “I invite you to be part of this extraordinary year — what we hope will be remembered as the greatest season ever told.”

For more information, visit AlbertaBallet.com.

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