The studios at the Los Angeles Ballet Center are buzzing with activity as dancers return to prepare for the 2026/2027 Season. Billed as the company’s biggest and most ambitious season to date, the upcoming lineup features nine distinct works. Audiences can look forward to a tribute to American choreographers, two LAB premieres, a highly anticipated world premiere, expanded performances with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, and a special debut engagement at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
Here is your early look at the unforgettable performances coming to Los Angeles this season.
The 2026/2027 Performance Lineup
Special Engagement: Los Angeles Ballet at the Hollywood Bowl
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 8:00 PM (Gates open at 6:00 PM) LAB makes its Hollywood Bowl debut alongside the LA Philharmonic for a night of Mexican and American gems. Artistic Director Melissa Barak will debut a new ballet set to Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari, a spiritual piece exploring music’s power to heal. The evening also features George Balanchine’s jazzy Who Cares?, Aaron Copland’s symphonic Rodeo, and lively rhythmic works by Moncayo and Revueltas led by Grammy-winning conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.
American Icons
September 24 to 27, 2026 | BroadStage In honor of America at 250, this program celebrates legendary innovators in American dance and music. The show opens with an encore of Melissa Barak’s smash hit Wavelength, featuring a costume collaboration with luxury fashion house ETRO. The program also highlights two abstract storytelling masterclasses: Jerome Robbins’ revolutionary 1951 work The Cage and Paul Taylor’s playful Dilly Dilly.
The Nutcracker
December 2026 | Royce Hall at UCLA & Dolby Theatre Journey with Clara and her beloved Nutcracker in a production that stays true to holiday traditions while delivering a unique Southern California twist. From a Spanish style Hancock Park home to the snowy slopes of Big Bear and the archways of Venice Beach, this is a sunny slice of the Southland. Performances at the Dolby Theatre will feature Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
Movers and Shakers
February 4 to 6, 2027 | The Wallis This mixed repertory program invites you into the imagination of today’s most gifted dancemakers. The lineup features Christopher Wheeldon’s physically intense Polyphonia and Ma Cong’s vigorous, funky Carry Me Anew. Rounding out the program is a highly anticipated world premiere by Maté Szentes, signaling LAB’s dedication to promoting fresh choreographic voices.
Coppélia
June 10 to 13, 2027 | Dolby Theatre A sparkling jewel of the classical repertory, Coppélia enchants with humor, romance, and dazzling virtuosity. Based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to Léo Delibes’s radiant score, the ballet follows Swanilda as she uncovers the mystery behind Dr. Coppélius and his lifelike doll. Beneath the comic chaos lies a heartfelt celebration of imagination and love, offering a theatrical experience perfect for all ages.
Special Events and Community Outreach
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Nutcracker Tea (November 22 & 23, 2026): Set at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, this signature holiday fundraiser offers an enchanting afternoon tea experience culminating in a special presentation of scenes from The Nutcracker. Tickets go on sale in August.
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A Chance to Dance: LAB opens its doors each month for free ballet, fitness, and alternative dance classes for all ages. The program is also expanding into local schools with new 6-week residencies for K-5th grade students.
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Power of Performance (POP!): This initiative provides free access to LAB performances for over 50 community organizations across LA County. To date, POP! has provided nearly 200,000 free tickets to groups like the Veteran Ticket Foundation and the Union Rescue Mission.
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