Several prestigious ballet companies who showcase some of the biggest stars in ballet today – American Ballet Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and New York City Ballet – make their home in and present ballet shows in New York City. Although all based on a foundation of classical ballet, each of these dance companies are distinct in style, guided by their unique histories and the visions of their artistic leaders.
With the expansive Lincoln Center (which includes the Metropolitan Opera House and the David H. Koch Theater) and the beloved New York City Center and Joyce Theater all in the heart of Manhattan, as well as the hundreds of other venues across the five boroughs, the city is attractive to both dance professionals and dance lovers who sift through the overwhelming quantity of offerings to see which fit into their schedules.
New York City is a melting pot of cultural creativity with classic ballets being reimagined and contemporary works being innovated, so much so that there is always something new to see.
Upcoming Ballet Shows in New York City for 2025 & 2026
New York City Ballet: Contemporary Choreography
New York City Ballet: All Ravel
New York City Ballet: Eclectic NYCB
New York City Ballet: Andrew Veyette Farewell
New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
American Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House is part of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex located in Manhattan in New York City, NY. It is home to the Metropolitan Opera and American Ballet Theatre‘s Spring and Summer seasons, as well as host to national and international ballet companies. It is one of the most technologically-advanced theaters in the world, allowing for over 200 spectacular productions each year.
The Metropolitan Opera House was designed by Wallace Harrison, the same architect credited to Rockefeller Center; it was his forty-third design for the building that all parties finally agreed upon, and construction lasted from 1963-1966.
The Met also boasts two murals by Marc Chagall and twenty-one chandeliers donated by the Austrian government.
Ballet Performances at Metropolitan Opera House
American Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
American Ballet Theatre: Woolf Works
American Ballet Theatre: Giselle
American Ballet Theatre: The Winter’s Tale
American Ballet Theatre: Sylvia
American Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
David H. Koch Theater
The David H. Koch Theater is part of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex located in Manhattan in New York City, NY. It has been home to New York City Ballet since 1964 (at which time the building was named New York State Theater), American Ballet Theatre‘s Fall season, and host to other dance companies, the Lincoln Center Festival, and the Mostly Mozart Festival.
When it was also home to the Music Theater of Lincoln Center in the mid-60s, Richard Rodgers revived several Broadway musicals here.
The construction of architect Philip Johnson’s design for the New York State Theater was funded by the State of New York as it was to be used as its contribution to the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. Immediately after the fair, the theater became property of the City of New York.
In 2008, when philanthropist David H. Koch pledged to donate $100 million dollars for the renovation and maintenance of the facility, it was renamed at that year’s New York City Ballet Winter Gala in his honor.
Ballet Performances at David H. Koch Theater
New York City Ballet: Contemporary Choreography
New York City Ballet: All Ravel
New York City Ballet: Eclectic NYCB
New York City Ballet: Andrew Veyette Farewell
New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
BAAND Together Dance Festival 2025
New York City Center
New York City Center is located in midtown Manhattan in New York, NY. It has been an internationally-recognized theatre stage since 1943 which is when then Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia declared its mission to make the performing arts accessible to everyone. Following this creed, City Center hosts not only the highest caliber performances, but also master classes, discussions, exhibits, and tours to supplement was it being seen in the auditorium.
It is most known for being the home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Manhattan Theatre Club and host to the annual Fall for Dance Festival and Encores!.
The structure for what is now called New York City Center was originally constructed in 1923 as the Mecca Temple. Architect Harry P. Knowles designed the building in a neo-Moorish style which is evident by the colorful mosaics still seen on its facade. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo regularly performed here from 1944 to 1948, after which New York City Ballet called it home from 1948 to 1966 (NYCB moved when Lincoln Center opened).
