Ballet is one of the most beautiful performance arts out there, and luckily NYC is home to some of the most talented dancers in the world! Let’s not kid ourselves, putting on those pointed shoes is a lot of work…and the shows are absolutely spectacular! Between the combination of music and movements, the stage can truly come to life during one of the mesmerizing performances.
We recommend everyone checks out a ballet show once in their life, and we made a list for you to make it easy. Check out these top theaters and ballet companies in NYC that are showcasing some of the best dancers in the country!
1. New York City Ballet
One of the oldest ballet companies in the country, New York City Ballet will undoubtedly put on a show. First founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, their goal was to produce and perform ballet in a way that would forever change this classical dance. NYCB boasts itself as one of the best-known ballet companies in the world and is famous for their graceful and elegant shows.
2026 has kicked off with incredible performances of Sleeping Beauty and ballet enthusiasts can look forward to Masters at Work III, All Balanchine III, and more shows inspired by ballet innovators.
🩰 See what’s on at New York City Ballet
Where: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza
2. American Ballet Theatre
At America’s National Ballet Company, you’ll find all the classic performances including Stravinsky’s Firebird. You’ll also see other classics such as Swan Lake, Onegin, Don Quixote and Sylvia during the summer season.
This prodigious ballet company aims to deliver and extend classical dancing through performances and educational programming to those around them. Founded in 1939, they’ve performed the classics from Sleeping Beauty to contemporary pieces, such as Jardin aux Lilas. They typically have two main seasons in the summer and fall!
🩰 See what’s on at American Ballet Theatre
Where: Met Opera House or the David H. Koch Theater
3. Dance Theatre of Harlem
Founded in 1971 by Arthur Mitchell, the first African American principal dancer, he went on to give the stage to multi-ethnic dancers. This company showcases dancers from all over the world, allowing them to bring their own unique and personal style to the performance. When blended together, it makes for a beautiful show.
Their 2026 season highlights the return of Firebird and Passage of Being, as well as an exploration of contemporary American society set to Nyman’s String Quartet No.2.
🩰 See what’s on at Dance Theatre of Harlem
Where: Chautauqua Institution, 1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY, or Everett Center for Performing Arts, 466 West 152nd St
4. Joffrey Ballet School
If you are curious about trying ballet yourself, Joffrey Ballet School is a great place to look. Whether you are new or getting back into ballet, there is a class for everyone to enjoy. This school also offers various classes, from beginner’s ballet to a pre-professional performing ensemble. The dancers that attend here have been working hard to gain the skills to participate in the classic routines.
At Joffrey Ballet School, they strive to make students of dance into passionate, open-minded, strong, and versatile performers that can keep up with the times. That’s why they make it easy for anyone to drop into a class and give ballet a try. Check out their website to learn more about their classes or stop by in-person to inquire!
Where: 434 Ave of the Americas, 3rd Floor
5. Ballet of Lights
If you love ballet but can’t quite find the time to attend a show given your busy schedule, Ballet of Lights might be what you’re looking for. These abridged versions of iconic ballets like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella combine all the elegance of classical ballet with a luminous twist, as the talented ballerinas wear optical fibers incorporated in their costumes that heighten every graceful glide and gravity-defying pirouette.
Held at Kaye Playhouse on the Upper East Side, Ballet of Lights aims to make ballet accessible to everyone, whether you’re a real aficionado or just getting into the art form. Particularly if it’s your first ballet show, these 60-minute performances give you all the magic of classical ballet plus a sparkling bonus!
Where: Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Avenue, Manhattan, 10065
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show - 4.11 · 252 reviews
Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show
6. Lincoln Center Out of Doors
This location offers it all, but especially great ballet performances. Lincoln Center Out of Doors provides the perfect setting to enjoy a show outside during the summer months. This outdoor venue gives a unique spin on a performance that you wouldn’t normally get indoors. Bring a chair or a blanket and post up to enjoy a nice summer evening!
They offer tons of free events to the community and host many different types of shows for all to enjoy. This is also a great spot to meet others with similar tastes and learn more about the arts.
Where: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza
7. New Chamber Ballet
Can we be honest? New Chamber Ballet knows how to put on a show. Since opening in 2004, its founder Miro Magloire has performed in various venues with its all-female company. Their dancers have performed all over the world but their roots are set here in NYC.
The reason we love New Chamber is because of their mix of ballet and contemporary choreography. The founder Miro says he got his influence from the New York City Ballet founders, so the combination and elegance of both styles is evident.
🩰 See what’s on at New Chamber Ballet
Where: Various Locations
8. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
If you are looking for classes or want to see a performance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will offer both! The Alvin Ailey School is open to those in the public interested in taking classes. For dancers in pre-professional or professional levels, they also offer more intensive classes for those with more expertise. Ballet can be started at any age and Alvin Ailey’s teaching staff makes it fun to learn.
This June, AAADT is performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack and Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing.
🩰 See what’s on at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Where: 405 W 55th St
9. The Joyce Theater
Hosting different dance companies from all over, The Joyce Theater is one of our favorite local venues. You’ll find that in addition to ballet in NYC, there are several types of dance to fit every mood. This theater is perfect for both small and larger dance companies and seats about 400 people. Be sure to check out their website to see their upcoming performances, because the range in genre and variety is huge.
🩰 See what’s on at The Joyce Theater
Where: Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave
10. New York City Center
Last but not least on our list is the New York City Center, one of our favorite spots to watch either dance or musical theater. It welcomes all types of shows and inspires others in the community at the same time. You’ll love the setting and how it can bring even more to the shows put on the stage.
This space has been hosting the arts for decades and provides the perfect feel for it. From ballet to flamenco, NYCC hosts all kinds of events (and for a great price). Their 2025 schedule is set to include shows from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Twyla Tharp performances, Ballet Hispánico, and much more.
🩰 See what’s on at New York City Center
Where: 131 W 55th St
