🎭 NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter
From timeless masterworks to boundary-pushing new choreography, The Music Center announced a lineup for the 2026–2027 dance season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center. Globally renowned dance companies and visionary artists will move Angelenos and dance lovers alike with stories that uplift the soul and sweep audiences off their feet. With live music, striking design and dancers at the height of their artistry, every performance in the new season will awaken the senses, spark imagination and leave a lasting impression long after the final curtain.
🎭 NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter
“The performing arts remind us of our shared humanity, offering space to reflect, feel and come together. Our new dance season brings extraordinary artists from around the world to Los Angeles, each illuminating the power of movement to tell our stories, celebrate our differences and connect us in meaningful and joyful ways,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center. “We invite audiences of all ages to be swept away by the beauty, emotion and thrilling power of dance. Together, we can discover the wondrous possibilities that only live performances can deliver.”
The season will open in October 2026 at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre with Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins, a Joyce Theater Production, comprised of three mixed-repertory programs curated by renowned New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck. She has assembled an exceptional roster of artists from leading ballet companies around the world, including herself, Roman Mejia and other dancers from New York City Ballet, along with members of San Francisco Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. Performed to live chamber music, each work illuminates why Robbins remains one of dance’s most influential storytellers with his unparalleled musicality, wit and emotional depth; in Suite of Dances, a piece included in two of the three featured programs, Peck is the first woman to perform the iconic role originally created by Robbins for Mikhail Baryshnikov. Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins is Peck’s second curatorial program for L.A.’s performing arts center, following The Music Center’s BalletNOW in 2017. In addition to being an L.A. premiere, the engagement at The Music Center is the only U.S. performance in the 2026–2027 season.
Known for her Tony Award–winning choreography for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, trailblazing choreographer Sonya Tayeh brings the music and fearless spirit of singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor to The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre in January 2027. The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor, a Joyce Theater Production, will be performed by a remarkable cast of 10 women whose collective 500 years’ experience, presence, strength and vulnerability drive this new electrifying production. Set to O’Connor’s emotionally raw music, the bold work explores resilience, rebellion and the enduring power of female expression in its L.A. premiere.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in March 2027 for the fourth year of its exclusive Southern California residency at The Music Center. Under the leadership of Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the company will treat audiences to both new and classic works from the AILEY repertory that continue to uplift and inspire fans, including the beloved Revelations. Each performance is a testament to the company’s passion, artistic excellence and commitment to breaking ground, including new works by contemporary choreographers—cementing AILEY’s pioneering legacy as one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world.
In June 2027, audiences of all ages will enter a world of enchantment with The Joffrey Ballet in the West Coast Premiere of The Sleeping Beauty, spectacularly reimagined by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, OBE, and performed by one of the world’s premier dance companies alongside a live orchestra. The classic fairy tale follows Princess Aurora, whose joyous christening is cursed by the wicked Carabosse and dooms the princess to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. As an entire kingdom slumbers under the spell, only true love’s kiss can awaken Princess Aurora and restore harmony to the realm. Wheeldon’s dazzling choreography unfolds amid Jérôme Kaplan’s sumptuous costumes and scenery, bringing the timeless masterpiece of romance, beauty and adventure—and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score—vividly to life. Named New York City Ballet’s first-ever resident choreographer in 2001 and artistic associate of The Royal Ballet in 2012, Wheeldon rose in prominence for bringing ballet to Broadway; he directed and choreographed MJ The Musical on Broadway in 2022, winning four Tony Awards including Best Choreography.
After 20 years, Spain’s acclaimed Compañía Nacional de Danza returns to The Music Center in July 2027 and closes the season with the thrilling North American debut of Don Quixote. Based on Miguel de Cervantes‘ legendary tale of an idealistic knight daring to dream the impossible dream, this joyful ballet bursts with dazzling technique, humor and flair. Choreographer José Carlos Martínez, one of the most respected ballet artists today who currently serves as dance director of the Paris Opera Ballet, brings authenticity to this work by honoring its Spanish influences with nuance and integrity through traditional dances and theatrical elements that reflect their true origins. “José Carlos Martínez got it right,” lauds Spain’s La Razón. “Thanks to the updating of the movements, the introduction of the bolero and the fandango and a greater agility in the transitions…resulted in a greater dynamism compared to the original.”
BALLET FESTIVAL: Jerome Robbins (L.A. Premiere and only U.S. performance in the 2026–2027 season)
Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Curated by Tiler Peck
A Joyce Theater Production
The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre
Performed to Live Music
Choreographer: Jerome Robbins
Lighting Designers: Jennifer Tipton, Ronald Bates
Costume Designers: Anthony Dowell, Florence Klotz and Santo Loquasto
Composers: Johann Sebastian Bach, Frederic Chopin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Igor Stravinsky
Production Stage Manager: Jacqueline Reid
Lighting Supervisor: John Cuff
Works performed by permission of The Robbins Rights Trust.
Program for Friday, October 23: Four Bagatelles; Concertino; Other Dances featuring Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia; and In the Night
Program for Saturday, October 24: In the Night; A Suite of Dances featuring Roman Mejia; and excerpt from Dances at a Gathering featuring Tiler Peck
Program for Sunday, October 25: Four Bagatelles; Concertino; A Suite of Dances featuring Tiler Peck; and excerpt from Dances at a Gathering
Discover the brilliance of legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins, a visionary artist who helped shape American ballet by blending classical ballet with jazz-infused theatricality. Curated by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck, this special program brings together an extraordinary roster of dancers from New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and other major companies to showcase Robbins’ masterpieces. Performed to live chamber music, the works reveal the wit, musicality and emotional depth that define Robbins’ timeless choreography.
THE SURGE: AN ODE TO SINÉAD O’CONNOR (L.A. Premiere)
Friday, January 15, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 17, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
A Joyce Theater Production
The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre
Performed to Recorded Music
Director and Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Music: Sinéad O’Connor
Lighting and Scenic Designer: Tom Visser
Sound Designer: Marc Cardarelli
Associate Choreographer: Jenn Freeman
Costume Designer: Márion Talán de la Rosa
Associate Costume Designer: Mieka van der Ploeg
Co-Rehearsal Directors: Jenn Freeman and Lauren Gerrie
Production Manager: Jenna Hanlon
Trailblazing choreographer Sonya Tayeh, known for her Tony Award–winning choreography for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, brings the music and spirit of singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor to the stage in a powerful new work. The Surge is performed by a remarkable cast of 10 women with a collective 500 years’ experience, whose presence, strength and vulnerability drive this electrifying production. Set to O’Connor’s music, the work explores resilience, rebellion and the enduring power of female expression in a bold theatrical performance that pulses with emotion and movement.
Alvin Ailey AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
Wednesday, March 31, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 1, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 2, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 3, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 3, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 4, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 4, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Mixed repertory of classic and contemporary works, including Revelations, to be announced
Last company appearance at The Music Center: 2026
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns for the fourth year of its exclusive Southern California residency at The Music Center, bringing the passion, artistry and spirit that have made it one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world. With extraordinary dancers and a dynamic repertory that blends classics with contemporary works, including the beloved Revelations, the company continues to expand the possibilities of modern dance.
THE JOFFREY BALLET
Thursday, June 24, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 25, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 26, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 27, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 27, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Performed with Live Orchestra
Last company appearance at The Music Center: 2024
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (West Coast Premiere)
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design: Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting Design: Mary Louise Geiger
Projection Design: Daniel Brodie
Enter a world of enchantment with The Sleeping Beauty, spectacularly staged by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, OBE, and performed by one of the world’s premier dance companies. Set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, the beloved fairy tale follows Princess Aurora, whose joyous christening is cursed by the wicked Carabosse, dooming the princess to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. As an entire kingdom slumbers under the spell, only true love’s kiss can awaken Princess Aurora and restore harmony to the realm. Wheeldon, whose credentials include the first-ever resident choreographer for New York City Ballet and artistic associate of The Royal Ballet, offers dazzling choreography, which unfolds amid Jérôme Kaplan’s sumptuous costumes and scenery, bringing this classic masterpiece vividly to life.
COMPAÑÍA NACIONAL DE DANZA
Thursday, July 15, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 17, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 17, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 18, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Performed to Live Music
Last company appearance at The Music Center: 2007
DON QUIXOTE (North American Premiere)
Artistic Director: Muriel Romero
Choreography: José Carlos Martínez (inspired by the versions of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorski)**
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Choreography Assistant and Staging: Elna Matamoros
Set Design: Raúl García Guerrero
Costume Design: Carmen Granell
Lightning Design: Nicolás Fischtel (A.A.I.)
Characterization, Makeup and Wigs: Lou Valérie Dubuis
**Additional Choreography of the Bolero and Fandango: Mayte Chico
Wonder and excitement take flight as Spain’s acclaimed Compañía Nacional de Danza returns to The Music Center with the exhilarating North American debut of Don Quixote. Based on Miguel de Cervantes‘ legendary tale of an idealistic knight daring to dream the impossible dream, this joyful ballet, choreographed by José Carlos Martínez, bursts with dazzling technique, humor and flair. Martínez’s staging is grounded in cultural authenticity, reimagining the ballet’s Spanish influences with nuance and integrity through traditional dances and theatrical elements that reflect their true origins.
2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Play – Top 3
1.
Laurie Metcalf – Death of a Salesman
8.1% of votes
2.
Alden Ehrenreich – Becky Shaw
5.7% of votes
3.
Ben Ahlers – Death of a Salesman
5.4% of votes
