Ranking of the Top 10 Outstanding Ballet Companies Globally in 2025
In the vast and dynamic world of ballet, a select group of companies stands out as the most influential, shaping the art form with their exceptional dancers, historical contributions, and innovative spirit. These companies, widely recognised as the top 10 in 2025, are a testament to the enduring allure and evolution of ballet.
1. **Bolshoi Ballet** Founded in 1776 and based in Moscow, the Bolshoi Ballet is a beacon of Russian ballet tradition, representing the pinnacle of its rich history.
2. **Mariinsky Ballet** Originating from St. Petersburg, this ballet company is celebrated for preserving the classical repertoire and producing technically superb dancers.
3. **Paris Opera Ballet** As the oldest national ballet company in the world, founded in 1669, the Paris Opera Ballet continues to be a centre for innovation and classical technique.
4. **The Royal Ballet (London)** With a rich British tradition, the Royal Ballet, based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, is known for its robust classical repertoire.
5. **American Ballet Theatre (ABT)** As the leading American ballet company, ABT is praised for its diverse repertoire and international star dancers, representing American ballet excellence globally.
6. **New York City Ballet (NYCB)** Closely tied to George Balanchine’s legacy, NYCB is a driving force for contemporary ballet and neoclassical styles in the US.
7. **San Francisco Ballet** Known for its creative spirit and wide range of performances, San Francisco Ballet commissions new works from international choreographers and has a repertoire that includes classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works.
8. **National Ballet of Canada** The largest Canadian company, the National Ballet of Canada is known for its strong classical technique and vibrant repertoire, holding a significant place in North American ballet.
9. **The Australian Ballet** Combining classical tradition with contemporary choreography, it is Australia’s premier ballet company with an international reputation.
10. **Dutch National Ballet** Known for its unique blend of neoclassical and contemporary repertoires, the Dutch National Ballet holds an influential position in European ballet.
These companies are celebrated for their exceptional dancers, historical contributions, and their ability to maintain classical traditions while innovating within the art form. The list reflects their prominence in shaping ballet culture worldwide in 2025.
In addition to these companies, the Dutch National Ballet has a strong connection to George Balanchine's works, as it has a lot of his ballets in its repertoire. The San Francisco Ballet is dedicated to preserving the classics while pushing the limits of art and placing a strong emphasis on creating a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
The Australian Ballet School trains many of the company's dancers, and the New York City Ballet (NYCB), established in 1948, is a cornerstone of American ballet and a living testament to George Balanchine's revolutionary neoclassical style. The American Ballet Theatre (ABT), established in 1939, is widely regarded as the premier ballet company in the United States, showcasing ballets from around the world.
- In the realm of entertainment, one might witness the fusion of sports and ballet in performances like 'Sports Ballet,' a captivating blend that draws parallels between the nimbleness of a dancer and the agility of an athlete.
- To cater to those with diverse interests, the San Francisco Ballet occasionally integrates elements of sports into its productions, creating unique shows such as 'Ballet meets Basketball' that merge the elegance of ballet with the intensity of sports.
