Southern California Ballet Events

Camille A. Brown & Dancers

I AM

Five-time Tony® Award-nominated director and choreographer Camille A. Brown deepens her exploration of Black joy in the West Coast premiere of I AM, performed by Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Featuring original live music, I AM launches bold new inquiries into the power of imagination and the shape of the future. Drawing inspiration from a narrative within HBO’s Lovecraft Country and the pulse of the film Drumline, this 2025 New York Times Critics’ Pick pushes boundaries and “takes her signature interweaving of African diasporic dance forms to new heights.”

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SoCal Ballet Scene

Ballet Festival 2025

Named Culture OC Arts Writers' Top Five Show Moments of 2024, this year’s SoCal Ballet Festival is a “must-see” event.
Bringing together acclaimed ballet artists and companies from throughout the region, the SoCal Ballet Scene Signature Festival presents a curated program showcasing a dynamic range of styles, performed by professional dancers. From timeless classical works to bold contemporary creations, the program highlights diverse artists and choreographers, celebrating the richness of Southern California’s ballet community.

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Limón Dance Company

Orfeo - A Suite of A Choreographic Offering
Two Ecstatic Themes - The Moor’s Pavane

The Limón Dance Company, founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, is a cornerstone of American modern dance and one of the world’s most acclaimed dance companies. Celebrated for its dramatic expression, technical mastery, and timeless artistry, the Company preserves Limón’s enduring legacy while embracing new works by contemporary choreographers.

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Frankenstein

San Francisco Ballet with Pacific Symphony

An electrifying tale of life, love, and identity.

Based on the world's most famous work of horror fiction, Mary Shelley's 19th-century novel-turned-pop culture classic, Liam Scarlett's critically acclaimed interpretation is one of the most innovative works of dance today.

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Ballet Project OC

Starbound

Season 5 continues to showcase fresh, dynamic choreography and exhilarating performances.

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Onco-Ballet

Community Performance

Join the Onco-Ballet Foundation for a scintillating evening featuring a community performance and an educational showcase. This event supports individuals impacted by cancer and demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of ballet. This event will feature our Onco-Ballet community dancers, expert guest speakers from the medical community, and patient advocates.

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Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Experience the power, passion and sheer physicality of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where breathtaking movement meets unbridled emotion. Sixteen dancers move as one, illuminating the stage with energy and purpose. The result is a radiant, soul-stirring performance that touches the heart and sparks hope.

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Festival Ballet Theatre

The nutcracker

A cherished holiday classic, perfect for all ages!
Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands.
This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.

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The Nutcracker

American Ballet Theatre with Pacific Symphony

The Nutcracker is the tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives the gift of a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. In her dreams that night, the nutcracker doll comes to life as a handsome prince who joins her on a magical journey. Together, they travel to lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, a mouse army and other exotic characters, all brought to vivid life on stage by a cast of over 100 performers!
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker is one of the great joys of the holiday season. Make a memory with your loved ones!

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Festival Ballet Theatre

Ignite Dance

A cherished holiday classic, perfect for all ages!
In celebration of 35 years of extraordinary dance at Irvine Barclay Theatre, this landmark event brings together six distinguished ensembles, each with deep ties to Orange County and a legacy of captivating performances on the Barclay stage.
Carefully curated to illuminate the depth and breadth of the art form, the evening showcases classical ballet, Chinese dance, Bharatanatyam, modern, and contemporary movement—offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the power, grace, and innovation of dance in its many forms.
More than a performance, this gathering is a tribute to the enduring impact of dance—its ability to inspire, unite, and ignite a lifelong appreciation for its artistry.
Following the program, guests are invited to continue the celebration in the IBT lobby with a DJ, light refreshments, and an opportunity to honor the vibrant dance community that has shaped the Barclay’s rich history.

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

A powerhouse of artistic excellence, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater carries forward a legacy of African American strength, resilience and joy through the power of movement. Founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, the company revolutionized modern dance, centering Black culture and storytelling on stages throughout the world, while transcending boundaries of race, faith and nationality with its universal humanity. Revelations, Ailey's iconic masterpiece, remains a soul-stirring tribute to the Black experience, set to the rhythms of gospel, blues and spirituals. The company returns to The Music Center as part of its exclusive multi-year Southern California residency, under the leadership of its new Artist Director Alicia Graf Mack. In two different programs, audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have thrilled fans for decades and new works by contemporary choreographers that promise to propel dance in exciting new directions.

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Sylvia

American Ballet Theatre with Pacific Symphony

A mythical soap opera full of desire, deception and forbidden romance.
Sylvia is a captivating ballet combining the elegance of classical ballet with elements of folklore and mythology. The audience will be transported on an epic journey, combining the stories of three superheroines in all the splendor of Ancient Greece. Join the fierce goddess Artemis, the adventurous nymph Sylvia and the mischievous Psyche as they navigate desire and deception in the realm of short-tempered gods and fantastical creatures.

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New York City Ballet

After more than a 20-year absence from The Music Center, New York City Ballet—one of the world’s premier dance companies—returns with two electrifying programs. These performances showcase the company’s storied legacy, featuring a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unmatched repertory sure to captivate Los Angeles audiences. Rooted in Founder George Balanchine’s revolutionary choreography, New York City Ballet has shaped the ballet canon for more than 75 years. From masterpieces by Balanchine and New York City Ballet Co-Founding Choreographer Jerome Robbins to groundbreaking contemporary works by Ulysses Dove, Justin Peck, Tiler Peck, Gianna Reisen and Christopher Wheeldon, this residency is a must-see opportunity to witness the company’s legendary past and thrilling future. Both programs feature recorded music and live performances by the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

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The Music Center's BalletNOW

Superstars of Paris

featuring Hugo Marchand and friends!

Renowned for his breathtaking technique, artistry and commanding stage presence, Paris Opera Ballet Étoile (principal dancer) Hugo Marchand brings an extraordinary lineup of the company’s principals and soloists to The Music Center’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. Marchand reimagines the ballet experience through a distinct program of intimate performances that bring the elegance and artistry of Paris’ top dancers beyond the traditional stage. This is a rare opportunity to experience the flawless technique and powerful performances of these internationally acclaimed ballet superstars.

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