Across five programs, company brings legends to the stage and introduces new performance times
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Crystal Pite’s Frontier and Shahar Binyamini’s BOLERO X—both collaborations with Arts Umbrella Dance—are back on stage following high demand
- The work of master choreographer Jiří Kylián returns to Ballet BC, with the highly anticipated Canadian premiere of 27’52”
- Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber will share a full evening work
- Programs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre will have an added performance time, matinees at 1:30pm on Saturdays
- For the first time in company history, the company will perform on tour at the prestigious Théátre Champs Elysées in Paris, sharing works by Crystal Pite, Johan Inger, and Medhi Walerski for four nights in April 2026
Vancouver, BC – Opening the 2025/26 season in September, Ballet BC’s dancers take the lead for the 5th edition of the popular Take Form. As they prepare for three performances at the intimate BMO Theatre Centre’s Newmont Stage in Olympic Village, company artists choreograph their own works and take the reins in areas such ticketing, marketing, lighting design, set design, and other behind the scenes roles that allow them to advance their skills beyond the stage.
In November at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, TRILOGY features three works: a world premiere from buzzworthy Italian choreographer Sofia Nappi; SWAY, a gorgeous piece of repertoire centred on hope from Ballet BC Artistic Director Medhi Walerski; and the return of the sensational 50-dancer BOLERO X by Shahar Binyamini, featuring the entire company plus artists from Arts Umbrella Dance.
The season continues in February with INFINITY, an evening featuring a pair of works by two of the world’s most influential figures in dance. Crystal Pite’s stunning Frontier is back following its unforgettable 2024 Ballet BC debut, and the work of Jiří Kylián makes a triumphant return on the Ballet BC stage for the first time since 2011 with the visionary 27’52”.
At UNITY in May, immerse yourself in the creative universe of trailblazing choreographic duo and Batsheva Dance Company alumni Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, who return to Ballet BC to share a sweeping full-length follow up to Obsidian, their 2025 debut with the company.
“I’m excited to share the 2025/26 season, a compelling constellation of inspiring artists whose work we’re bringing to Vancouver,” says Ballet BC Artistic Director Medhi Walerski. This season is about connection: to ourselves, to each other, and to the world we live in. I’m especially looking forward to welcoming Bobbi and Or back for a brand-new full evening creation. From iconic voices like Pite and Kylián to exciting new perspectives like Sofia Nappi, it’s a season that reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Canada’s historic Royal Winnipeg Ballet will return to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for five performances of their distinctly Canadian version of Nutcracker—the Lower Mainland’s only production by a professional company.
The company will also continue its popular MOVE adult classes and series in dance, pilates, and yoga at its studios on Granville Island as well as in-school outreach and engagement programs throughout the Lower Mainland. Ballet BC Annex also returns in the fall, a collaboration with Arts Umbrella and Modus Operandi that tours regionally bringing professional performances and workshops to schools across the province. This fall, Ballet BC Annex will premiere two new creations by Vancouver-based choreographers Vanessa Goodman and Alexis Fletcher.
The main company will also appear on tour around the world throughout the year, performing on stages such as the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires, and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris.
Explore the season
