Bolshoi Ballet Announces 2026 Season Highlights

Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Romeo and Juliet' among the classics featured

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre has unveiled an exciting 2026 season lineup, featuring classic works by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev alongside a diverse repertoire of operas and ballets. The highlights include performances of 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Romeo and Juliet' in April, as well as productions of 'Le Nozze di Figaro,' 'La Bayadere,' and 'The Flames of Paris' throughout the spring.

Why it matters

The Bolshoi's programming reflects its commitment to preserving the traditions of classical ballet and opera while also appealing to both seasoned patrons and new audiences through a mix of established favorites and lesser-known works. Tchaikovsky's ballets remain cornerstones of the repertoire, consistently drawing audiences worldwide.

The details

The Bolshoi's 'Sleeping Beauty,' choreographed by Marius Petipa and Jean-Guillaume Bart, promises a lavish spectacle with set and costume design by Olga Shaishmelashvili and lighting design by Evgeny Ganzburg. Tickets for the ballet begin at $264, and the production runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission. The world premiere took place at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The Bolshoi will also present Sergei Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet' on April 10th and April 11th at the Main Stage.

  • The Bolshoi's 'Sleeping Beauty' performances are scheduled for April 11th and April 12th at the New Stage.
  • The Bolshoi's 'Romeo and Juliet' performances are scheduled for April 10th and April 11th at the Main Stage.

The players

Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre

A renowned ballet and opera company based in Moscow, Russia, known for its lavish productions and preservation of classical traditions.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

A renowned Russian composer whose works, including 'The Sleeping Beauty,' 'Swan Lake,' and 'The Nutcracker,' remain cornerstones of the classical ballet repertoire.

Sergei Prokofiev

A Russian composer whose ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' is a classic in the Bolshoi's repertoire.

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What’s next

The Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre is offering a chance to win a backstage tour for two, a promotion running concurrently with ticket sales.

The takeaway

The Bolshoi's 2026 season reflects its commitment to preserving the traditions of classical ballet and opera while also presenting a diverse range of works to appeal to both seasoned patrons and new audiences. The inclusion of both established favorites and lesser-known pieces suggests a desire to cater to a global audience and keep the art form vibrant and relevant.