The Los Angeles Ballet 2023-2024 season marks the company’s 18th and Artistic Director Melissa Barak’s first fully-curated one since taking over the helm last year.
Los Angeles Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule
The Nutcracker | December 1-3, 8-9, 15-17 & 21-26, 2023
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Royce Hall at UCLA, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center & Dolby Theatre
- The Nutcracker by Willam Christensen and Patricia Neary
Journey with young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.
Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with tastes of Southern California such as an elegant Spanish style Hancock Park home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of Big Bear, Venice Beach archways, and a moonlit Pacific Ocean.
Next Steps | March 22-24, 2024
The Broad Stage
- Belles-Lettres by Justin Peck
- Frank Bridge Variations by Hans van Manen
- World Premiere by Melissa Barak
Justin Peck’s Belles-Lettres is a work that showcases his exceptional choreographic talent as he weaves together a tapestry of emotions and stories, exploring the delicate balance of relationships, the ebb and flow of emotions, and the power of vulnerability. Set to a lyrical score by composer César Franck, the ballet effortlessly blends classical ballet techniques with contemporary flair through a series of stunning pas de deux, solos, and ensemble passages.
Set to a striking score by Benjamin Britten, Frank Bridge Variations (opening night marks the ballet’s U.S. premiere) showcases Hans van Manen’s exceptional choreographic genius. Through a series of dynamic and emotionally charged variations, van Manen delves into the complexities of relationships, the intricacies of individuality, and the transformative power of music.
Melissa Barak brings another world premiere to the stage in collaboration with Grammy Award winning and Academy Award and Emmy nominated composer Kris Bowers of When They See Us and Bridgerton fame.
Firebird and Serenade | May 11, 25 & June 1, 2024
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Royce Hall
- Firebird by Yuri Possokhov
- Serenade by George Balanchine
Originally debuted in Paris’s Palais Garnier by Imperial Russian choreographer Michel Fokine in 1910 with a score by Igor Stravinsky, Firebird was considered groundbreaking and exceedingly radical compared to other ballets performed at the time.
A Russian-Slavic folk tale passed down to children to this day, Firebird tells the story of a magical bird made of fire. Ivan, a young and boisterous prince is granted the help of the bird to outsmart and overthrow an evil magician Tzar named Kaschie and save the beautiful Princess.
Serenade, first original ballet George Balanchine created in America, is one of the signature works of New York City Ballet’s repertory. Originating as a lesson in stage technique, Balanchine worked unexpected rehearsal events into the choreography, reflecting the ebb and flow of the ballet choreographic process.
Featured Photo for the Los Angeles Ballet 2023-2024 Season of former company dancer Bianca Bulle in George Balanchine’s Serenade. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
