Top 10 Famous Ballet Performances of All Time

Below are ten of the most famous ballet performances of all time, each representing a pinnacle of creativity, technical mastery, and emotional expression.

1. Swan Lake (1877) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography by: Julius Reisinger (original), Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov (revised)

Swan Lake is arguably the most famous ballet of all time, a masterpiece that has stood the test of time since its 1877 debut. With music by Tchaikovsky and a hauntingly beautiful story of love, betrayal, and transformation, Swan Lake is the epitome of classical ballet. The story follows the tragic romance between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette, who is cursed by an evil sorcerer. The ballet is famous for its demanding choreography, particularly the role of Odette/Odile, which requires a ballerina to perform both the innocent white swan and the deceptive black swan. The performance of the “White Swan Pas de Deux” remains one of the most iconic in the ballet repertoire.

2. The Nutcracker (1892) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography by: Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov

Another Tchaikovsky masterpiece, The Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition. Premiering in St. Petersburg in 1892, it tells the story of Clara, a young girl who is transported into a magical world where her toy nutcracker comes to life. The Nutcracker is known for its vibrant sets, magical choreography, and especially the iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” The ballet is filled with whimsical characters and vibrant dances, and it has been adapted into numerous versions, each with its unique charm. It’s a performance that has introduced generations to the world of ballet.

3. Sleeping Beauty (1890) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography by: Marius Petipa

Sleeping Beauty is another Tchaikovsky ballet that showcases the grandeur of classical ballet. The ballet, based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale, tells the story of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to sleep for 100 years. The work is a showcase of technical skill, especially for the lead ballerina, who must perform some of the most challenging and refined movements. One of the ballet’s most famous scenes is the “Rose Adagio,” in which Aurora balances in a series of intricate poses while being courted by four princes. The elegance of the choreography, combined with Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, makes Sleeping Beauty a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire.

4. Giselle (1841) – Adolphe Adam

Choreography by: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot

Giselle is a tragic ballet that continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and supernatural elements. The story follows a peasant girl, Giselle, who dies of a broken heart after discovering that her lover, Albrecht, is engaged to another. In the second act, Giselle becomes a spirit and joins the Wilis, a group of vengeful ghosts of brides who died before their wedding day. The role of Giselle is one of the most challenging in the ballet world, requiring the dancer to transition from innocence and joy to heartbreak and spectral sadness. The haunting choreography and the ethereal atmosphere of the ballet make it a favorite among ballet lovers.

5. Coppélia (1870) – Léo Delibes

Choreography by: Arthur Saint-Léon

Coppélia is a comedic ballet with a charming story, known for its technical complexity and its light-hearted narrative. The plot centers around a young woman named Swanilda, who becomes jealous of a life-size mechanical doll, Coppélia, created by the eccentric inventor Dr. Coppélius. The ballet features an exquisite blend of playful choreography and romantic pas de deux, and the character of Swanilda has long been celebrated as a role that allows for both virtuosity and charm. Coppélia is also notable for its vibrant folk-inspired choreography and its light, fairy-tale-like charm.

6. Romeo and Juliet (1935) – Sergei Prokofiev

Choreography by: Leonid Lavrovsky (original), Kenneth MacMillan (revival)

Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev is one of the most powerful narrative ballets ever created. Based on Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, the ballet is filled with passionate duets, dramatic fight scenes, and breathtaking choreography that encapsulates the deep emotions of love and loss. The ballet features some of the most famous and romantic moments in ballet, including the "Balcony Scene" and the "Death of Juliet." Prokofiev’s sweeping score matches the intensity of the story, creating a ballet that is both dramatic and beautiful. The Royal Ballet's production, choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan, is one of the most famous and often performed versions of this ballet.

7. Le Corsaire (1856) – Adolphe Adam

Choreography by: Joseph Mazilier (original), Marius Petipa (revival)

Le Corsaire is a ballet that blends adventure, romance, and intrigue. Based on the poem by Lord Byron, the story centers around a pirate, Conrad, who falls in love with a slave girl, Medora. The ballet is known for its fast-paced choreography, especially the highly demanding "Pirate Pas de Deux." It showcases breathtaking leaps, spins, and complex partnering work. While Le Corsaire has fallen out of favor in some places, its intense, virtuosic style continues to be revered by ballet dancers for its technical difficulty and emotional drama.

8. The Firebird (1910) – Igor Stravinsky

Choreography by: Michel Fokine

The Firebird is one of the most influential 20th-century ballets, a collaboration between composer Igor Stravinsky and choreographer Michel Fokine. The ballet, set in a mythical Russian forest, tells the story of Prince Ivan, who encounters a magical firebird and seeks to free a group of enchanted princesses from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. Stravinsky’s innovative score, which mixes folk melodies with modern harmonic structures, complements Fokine’s daring choreography. The ballet's bright color palette, expressive dancing, and surrealist qualities made it an instant success and an important milestone in the history of ballet.

9. The Dying Swan (1905) – Camille Saint-Saëns

Choreography by: Michel Fokine

While not a full-length ballet, The Dying Swan is one of the most iconic solo pieces in ballet history. Created for the legendary Anna Pavlova, the dance portrays a swan’s final moments as it succumbs to death. Pavlova’s interpretation of the role became legendary, and her performance of The Dying Swan is one of the most memorable in the ballet world. The dance is both sorrowful and poignant, with delicate, sweeping arm movements and expressive body language that convey the swan’s final breath. The piece has remained a staple of the solo ballet repertoire and is often used to showcase a dancer’s emotional and technical prowess.

10. Don Quixote (1869) – Ludwig Minkus

Choreography by: Marius Petipa

Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote is a high-energy ballet that features dazzling choreography, particularly in the famous "Dream Sequence" and "Kitri and Basil's Pas de Deux." The ballet is colorful, joyful, and packed with dramatic flair, telling the story of the misguided knight Don Quixote and his adventures with his loyal squire Sancho Panza. The principal dancers often display incredible technical skills, and the ballet’s virtuosic jumps, spins, and lifts have made it a favorite in the classical repertoire. It’s one of the most frequently performed ballets in the world due to its high drama, humor, and energetic choreography.