Ballet BC celebrates four decades of bold and awe-inspiring dance with the line-up for its 40th Anniversary season.
Tickets are now on sale the mainstage programs at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, featuring works by the luminary talents of Crystal Pite, Medhi Walerski, William Forsythe, Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, Imre and Marne van Opstal, Margaret Grenier and Starr Muranko. The season also welcomes a special guest duet from the National Ballet of Canada and the holiday favourite Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker and the dancer-led Take Form program
The Ballet BC 40th Anniversary season’s program includes:
Bodies & Voices: November 5, 6, & 7, 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The season opens with a double bill from Dutch sibling choreographic duo Imre and Marne van Opstal, whose evocative work sees dance as a poetic, emotional laboratory—exploring the vulnerability of being human in all its rawness, beauty, and absurdity. Audiences will witness the North American premiere of the van Opstal’s acclaimed I’m afraid to forget your smile along with the World Premiere of a brand-new Van Opstal work.
Everything you ever…: March 4, 5 & 6, 2027 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The centrepiece of the 40th anniversary season, over the celebratory weekend in two separate programs, five distinct works come together to create a live dance experience
The March 4 + 5 performances offer the North American premiere of William Forsythe’s Undertainment and unveils a World premiere by Artistic Director Medhi Walerski, alongside the anticipated return of Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber’s Obsidian.
On March 6, in one-day-only presentation audiences will experience a capsule creation from Artists-in-Residence Margaret Grenier and Starr Muranko—a reflection of the company’s studio work with the choreographers over a five-year period. The Saturday program also features a guest duet performed by dancers of the National Ballet of Canada, alongside Undertainment and Walerski’s new work.
One & Only: May 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2027 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
One & Only is a program from world-renowned choreographer-dancer Vancouver’s Crystal Pite, whose connection with Ballet BC spans nearly 40 years. The triple-bill of Solo Echo, The Statement, and the BC premiere of Angels’ Atlas, range froma poignant ode to loss and acceptance performed in falling snow, to a razor-sharp commentary on power set around a boardroom table, to a sweeping ensemble work against an awe-inspiring curtain of light.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker: December 9-13, 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
One of the season’s most cherished holiday traditions, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to the Vancouver stage with their iconic production of Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the classical ballet, and a dose of Canadiana combine for an enchanting production following Clara and a cast of unforgettable characters on a journey filled with magic, adventure, and the wonder of a Canadian winter.
Take Form: June 11-12 & June 18-19 at the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre.
For the sixth edition of Take Form, Ballet BC company artists take centre stage on a program bigger and bolder than ever. Conceived, choreographed, produced, and performed entirely by Ballet BC dancers, this one-of-a-kind showcase in the intimate setting of the BMO Theatre Centre gives them the freedom to experiment, explore new ideas, and expand both their artistry and offstage skills.
The fan-favourite Take Form has grown into two distinct programs of new creations across two weekends, offering the artists even more room for creative exploration which offers audiences a rare chance to witness the company in its most inventive and fearless form.
Tickets and subscriptions for Ballet BC’s 2026/2027 40th anniversary season are on sale now. Visit balletbc.com for season and ticket information.