New York City Ballet Dazzles in Winter 2026 Season

Premieres by Peck and Ratmansky join Balanchine classics in acclaimed performances

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New York City Ballet's current winter season has featured a mix of world premieres by resident choreographer Justin Peck and artist in residence Alexei Ratmansky, as well as established classics by the company's founding choreographer George Balanchine. The diverse program has showcased the troupe's remarkable dancers in a surplus of delightful performances.

Why it matters

New York City Ballet is one of the world's preeminent ballet companies, known for its innovative repertoire and exceptional dancers. The company's winter season is a highly anticipated event that provides a glimpse into the future direction of ballet while also honoring its rich history and traditions.

The details

The winter season featured the world premieres of Peck's 'The Wind-Up' and Ratmansky's 'The Naked King,' which joined a number of Balanchine's acclaimed works in the repertoire. The diverse program highlighted the depth and versatility of the company's dancers, who delivered authoritative performances across a range of styles and choreographic visions.

  • The New York City Ballet winter season runs through March 1, 2026.
  • The company will present a two-week run of 'The Sleeping Beauty' in Peter Martins's 1991 staging during the season.

The players

Justin Peck

Resident choreographer and artistic adviser for New York City Ballet.

Alexei Ratmansky

Artist in residence for New York City Ballet.

George Balanchine

Founding choreographer of New York City Ballet and one of the most influential figures in 20th-century ballet.

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What they’re saying

“New York City Ballet's current season, through March 1—with its rich assortment of mixed bills and a coming two-week run of 'The Sleeping Beauty' in Peter Martins's sometimes hectic two-act staging from 1991—has now presented two world premieres: 'The Wind-Up,' by resident choreographer and artistic adviser Justin Peck, and 'The Naked King,' by artist in residence Alexei Ratmansky.”

— Robert Greskovic, Author (wsj.com)

What’s next

The company will present a two-week run of 'The Sleeping Beauty' in Peter Martins's 1991 staging during the remainder of the winter season.

The takeaway

New York City Ballet's winter season has showcased the company's commitment to innovation and artistic excellence, with world premieres by rising choreographers complementing the enduring appeal of Balanchine's timeless works. The exceptional performances by the company's dancers have cemented the troupe's status as one of the world's preeminent ballet ensembles.