Experience the ethereal beauty and emotional depth of classical ballet with The National Ballet of Canada's production of "Giselle." This quintessential Romantic ballet, a masterpiece of love, deceit, and redemption, is set to captivate audiences in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre from January 30 to February 1, 2025.

"Giselle" tells the poignant story of a young country girl caught in a tragic love triangle, leading to her untimely death and transformation into a Wili, a spirit seeking vengeance. Yet, it is the purity of her love that ultimately brings about forgiveness and salvation. This production, celebrated for its emotional intensity and psychological drama, showcases Sir Peter Wright's acclaimed staging and the evocative score by Adolphe Adam, promising a ballet experience that is as moving as it is beautiful.

Under the choreography and production of Sir Peter Wright, after the original works of Jean Coralli and Marius Petipa, and set to the music of Adolphe Adam, this staging of "Giselle" has been hailed as a timeless masterpiece. The performances are supported by the exquisite set and costume design of Desmond Heeley, with lighting by Gil Wechsler, ensuring that every moment on stage is visually stunning.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the National Ballet of Canada's rendition of "Giselle," a ballet that continues to resonate with audiences for its profound narrative and breathtaking dance. Stay tuned for ticketing information and be sure to sign up for the Ballet News email newsletter to be the first to know when casting is announced. Join us for a memorable journey through love and redemption in the haunting world of "Giselle."

EPSG:4326

On Tour: Ottawa National Arts Centre

Canadian Opera Company

TDT presents a new performance project led by Affiliate Artist Aisha Sasha John featuring the company ensemble, The Pool. Across three distinct suites, The Pool celebrates the patterns that emerge in a group body as its individual members perform varying qualities and degrees of agency. The first suite is inspired by the movement patterns of groups of animals – pods, herds, schools, shoals. The second suite dances relationality, investigating the border between listening and expressing, hearing and heeding. In the third and final suite, percussion, juxtaposition and reflection create a foundation for the most beautiful breathing.

The Pool

Winchester Street Theatre

Experience the pinnacle of contemporary ballet with The National Ballet of Canada's breathtaking triple bill, featuring the North American premiere of David Dawson's "The Four Seasons," alongside the world premiere of Marco Goecke's "Morpheus’ Dream" and the poignant "The Leaves Are Fading" by Antony Tudor. This extraordinary event, running from February 26 to March 2, 2025, at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, marks a celebration of reflection, change, and the enduring power of dance.

David Dawson's "The Four Seasons" is a zeitgeist-defining masterpiece that reimagines Antonio Vivaldi’s iconic violin concertos through Max Richter’s sublime composition, offering a profound journey through the seasons of life with its blend of formal precision and emotional depth. This performance, a gift from The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada, supported by The Anna McCowan-Johnson New Creations Fund and The Penelope Reed Doob Fund for New Creations, promises an unforgettable experience of aesthetic beauty born out of profoundly human feelings.

Marco Goecke's "Morpheus’ Dream" introduces audiences to a unique blend of sultry piano music by Keith Jarrett and the vocal stylings of Lady Gaga, creating a surreal exploration of dreams and relationships. This edgy duet, produced and commissioned by The National Ballet of Canada with lead philanthropic support from The Gail Hutchison Fund, showcases Goecke's distinctive contemporary style and his ability to captivate with unexpected moments of illumination.

Completing the trio, Antony Tudor's "The Leaves Are Fading" offers a reflective look at the passage of time, set to the lyrical chamber music of Antonín Dvořák. This beloved work, not seen on The National Ballet of Canada’s stage since 1995, evokes the bittersweet evolution of life through the metaphor of changing seasons, marking the 50th anniversary of its creation.

Don't miss this unparalleled assembly of talent and artistry. Subscribe to the National Ballet's eNewsletter, Ballet News, for casting announcements and further details. Join us for a Ballet Talk 45 minutes before every performance to enhance your ballet experience. Tickets are available now for this limited engagement. Secure your seats and be part of a momentous celebration of dance at The National Ballet of Canada.

The Four Seasons & Morpheus’ Dream & The Leaves Are Fading

Experience the timeless beauty of classical ballet with The National Ballet of Canada's production of "Swan Lake," directed and staged by the esteemed Karen Kain. This beloved masterpiece, set to Tchaikovsky’s dramatic score, will be performed from March 8 to March 22, 2025, offering audiences a unique interpretation inspired by Erik Bruhn’s landmark version. Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain brings her personal touch to the production, emphasizing the love story at the heart of "Swan Lake" and commemorating her illustrious 50-year career with the company.

The story unfolds in a faraway kingdom where Odette, under the spell of the evil Rothbart, is doomed to live as a swan by day until true love can break the curse. When Prince Siegfried falls for Odette, Rothbart’s deception threatens their love, introducing the dramatic duality of Odette/Odile. This production revisits the classic tale with new choreography and a focus on the emotional depth of the characters, making it a heartfelt tribute to Kain’s legacy.

The production features sumptuous costumes and set designs by Gabriela Týlešová, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that transports audiences to a world of romance, betrayal, and the power of true love. The dual role of Odette/Odile, a pinnacle of classical ballet, showcases the technical prowess and dramatic range of the company's dancers.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a fresh take on "Swan Lake," a ballet that continues to captivate audiences with its achingly beautiful music, timeless choreography, and the universal theme of love conquering all. Join us at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for a performance that promises to be a highlight of the ballet season.

Swan Lake

**Adieu: A Celebration of Guillaume Côté**

Join us for a poignant farewell to Guillaume Côté, a luminary of The National Ballet of Canada, as we celebrate his illustrious 26-year career with the company. This special event, titled "Adieu: A Celebration of Guillaume Côté," will take place from May 30 to June 5, 2025, at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

**Event Highlights:**

- **World Premieres:** Experience the debut of Guillaume Côté's new work, "Into the fade," co-created with Ben Shirinian, alongside his thrilling restaging of "Boléro." The program will also feature world premieres from two of Canada's most exciting choreographic talents, Ethan Colangelo and Jennifer Archibald.

- **Into the fade:** A mesmerizing pas de deux that explores the themes of legacy and farewell, showcasing Côté's extraordinary artistry in a solo created specifically for this occasion. The performance includes a film element by Ben Shirinian, marking another collaboration between the two artists.

- **Boléro:** Witness the power of Maurice Ravel's famous music brought to life through Côté's choreography, featuring a small ensemble and a leading woman in a performance that builds from vulnerability to strength.

- **New Works:** Be among the first to see the world premieres by Ethan Colangelo and Jennifer Archibald, two choreographers who are redefining contemporary dance on the international stage.

**Additional Information:**

- **Casting:** Details will be announced approximately two weeks prior to the opening. Stay tuned to our eNewsletter, Ballet News, and social media for updates.

- **Tickets and Subscriptions:** Create your own subscription package to save on tickets to this and other performances. Visit our website for more details and to subscribe to Ballet News for the latest announcements.

- **Ballet Talks:** Enhance your experience by attending a Ballet Talk 45 minutes before every performance in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre.

Don't miss this unforgettable tribute to one of ballet's most revered artists. Secure your tickets now for "Adieu: A Celebration of Guillaume Côté" and witness the culmination of a remarkable career.

Adieu: A Celebration of Guillaume Côté

TDT, in partnership with The Bentway, will premiere a site-specific dance piece that engages with The Bentway’s unique location under the Gardiner Express. This major work is created by a leading international choreographer whose work is understood as a format of speculative fiction that can propose complex and manyfold understandings of body, gender, species, ethnicity, knowledge and history. The project will culminate with 4 public performances in June. More details and artistic team to be announced soon.

A Major International Dance Commission

The Bentway

Experience the North American Premiere of "Anna Karenina" by The National Ballet of Canada, a captivating ballet adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel. This groundbreaking production marks the first creative partnership with the acclaimed European choreographer, Christian Spuck. Known for his profound choreography that beautifully captures the essence of Tolstoy's exploration of morality, social reform, family, and passion, Spuck brings a modern yet theatrical style to the Canadian stage.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, "Anna Karenina" delves into the life of the aristocratic Anna Karenina as she navigates through the complexities of love and societal expectations. Her tumultuous affair with Count Vronsky, juxtaposed with her life with husband Alexei Karenin, forms the epicenter of this narrative, offering a detailed portrait of love, infidelity, and the societal inequities of the time. The production is brought to life with lush costumes, cinematic projections, and a curated score featuring music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Witold Lutoslawski, enhancing the emotional depth of this tragic story.

The ballet premiered at Ballett Zürich in 2014 and has since been praised for its powerful storytelling and evocative design, including slender birch trees, opulent society balls, and snowy landscapes, complemented by Tieni Burkhalter’s poignant black-and-white video projections.

The North American premiere of "Anna Karenina" will take place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, from June 13 to 21, 2025. This production not only showcases Spuck's award-winning choreography but also features a talented cast and creative team dedicated to bringing this complex narrative to life.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness this mesmerizing ballet that explores the depths of human emotion and the consequences of our choices. Subscribe to the National Ballet's eNewsletter and follow their social media for casting announcements and more information on how to secure your tickets for this must-see event.

Ballet & Dance events in Toronto, ON

On Tour: Ottawa National ...

The National Ballet of Canada

The Pool

Toronto Dance Theatre

The Four Seasons & Morphe...

The National Ballet of Canada

Swan Lake

The National Ballet of Canada

Adieu: A Celebration of G...

The National Ballet of Canada

A Major International Dan...

Toronto Dance Theatre

Anna Karenina

The National Ballet of Canada