Alberta Ballet presents a brilliant season of beloved classics and world premieres 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
CALGARY, AB – Alberta Ballet is thrilled to announce its 2025/26 season: an epic lineup of reimagined classics and stunning new creations brought to life through the dynamic talent of our world-class artists. 

The monumental seven-show season includes reimagined classics like Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet, as well as a fully redesigned Nutcracker. The 2025/26 season also includes live music for two productions: the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany both The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.  

“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. Each ballet is distinct in style, tone, and creative vision—yet together, they shape a repertoire woven with beauty, emotion, meaning, and storytelling,” said Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia. “These connections create a powerful lineup, inviting audiences on a journey that lingers long after the final curtain falls.” 

The season opens in September with the Canadian premiere of Ventriglia’s Once Upon a Time – A Thousand Tales, a flawless weaving of several fairytales into one narrative with characters from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Aladdin. Alberta Ballet performed this magical production to rave reviews and sold-out houses at the Dubai Opera House earlier in April.  

The October production is a triple-bill capturing the essence of Vaslav Nijinsky in a series of three new works. Alberta Ballet is commissioning three Canadian choreographers to infuse Nijinsky’s radical spirit with modern sensibilities and personal artistic flair. Expect inventive choreography and bold new perspectives on these historic and iconic masterpieces reborn in the hands of today’s creative talents.

In December, Albertans are invited to join us for a bold new chapter in Alberta Ballet’s cherished holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. The previous production delighted audiences for 16 years, and in 2025, Alberta Ballet will re-invest in this valuable Alberta Ballet repertoire. The Nutcracker will be re-imagined by Ventriglia with fresh energy and wonder. Choreographed by Ventriglia and designed by costume and sets designer Gianluca Falaschi and visual designer Italo Grassi, the production will also maintain the beloved hallmarks that Albertans have come to love: a cast of over 130 artists and Tchaikovsky's score performed live by our orchestra partners.

In January, Alberta Ballet and Alberta Ballet School will share the Jubilee stage for the annual Winter Gala—a tradition that has come to define the era of Ventriglia’s leadership. This vibrant showcase celebrates the exceptional talent, both current and emerging, across Alberta Ballet. 

Alberta Ballet will channel the romance of Valentine’s Day in February with a bold reimagining of the timeless Romeo & Juliet. For this world premiere, Ventriglia is pairing up with three-time Academy Award winning designer, James Acheson (The Last Emperor, Dangerous Liaisons, Restoration) to set this epic love story to a powerful score by Sergei Prokofiev.  

The most anticipated production of the 2025/26 season will no doubt be March’s premiere of Swan Lake, accompanied by a live orchestra in both Edmonton and Calgary. Choreographed by Benjamin Pech, formerly of the Paris Opera Ballet, this Canadian premiere follows the Petipa/Ivanov tradition while embracing a bold vision. Pech heightens the ballet’s drama by reimagining Benno—Siegfried’s closest friend—as the true villain, deepening the prince’s turmoil and altering the story’s tragic conclusion. 

The season concludes in May with Roland Petit’s Notre Dame de Paris, a masterpiece based on Victor Hugo’s novel rarely seen on North American stages. Pure theatrical genius brings the streets of Paris to life on stage, with grand sets and costumes designed by Yves Sait Laurent and a score by Maurice Jarre.  

“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 a unique and unforgettable experience,” Ventriglia said. “I invite you to be part of this extraordinary year—what we hope will be remembered as the greatest season ever told.” 

Season subscriptions start at just $292 and include a host of incredible benefits, making this season of ballet more affordable and accessible than ever. Early bird subscribers can enter to win a trip for two to Paris to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. For more information, visit Alberta Ballet | Become A Subscriber.  

For interviews, please email Communications@AlbertaBallet.com. High-resolution images and video are available here: MEDIA KIT 

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About Alberta Ballet   

Alberta Ballet ignites the curiosity and imagination of people in communities across the province, and beyond, by championing their stories and experiences through dance training, creation, and performances. Alberta Ballet develops lasting connections and a passionate following in the province, the country and abroad. Through both the originality of its programming and the talent of its classically-trained dancers, Alberta Ballet has become a world-class arts organization Albertans are proud to call their own.   

Media Contact:  

Kim Bradley  

Communications Advisor  

Communications@AlbertaBallet.com 
c: 587-999-0306  

PHOTO: Alberta Ballet Soloist Allison Perhach in Echo Evenings. Photo by Eluvier Acosta.