Instrument: Dancer

Many world class performances to enjoy in this 20th edition of the annual Ballet Icons Gala.

Global chaos has not deterred Cuba's Malpaso Dance from bringing two world premieres, one home-grown, and a Martha Graham debut to New York City – incredibly, with all-live-music accompaniment. 

With a trio of excellent performances, Balanchine's sassy Rubies proves the hit as Jewels – a relatively recent acquisition – returns to the Wiener Staatsballett. 

Ballet Nights is an ambitious dance project that began two and a half years ago and was the brainchild of founder, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence. Lots to applaud while celebrating its tenth programme.

A rare opportunity to see five male ballet superstars – notably Alban Lendorf, in great form long after injury sidelined him – in an intimate theater, in work exclusively by women.

Jamiel Devernay-Laurence’s winning formula for his Ballet Nights series has brought in new and old works, concert and dance, and continues to push the boundaries into 2026.

K-Ballet Opto's A Dance Remembered in Tohno, inspired by the book Tohno Stories by Kunio Yanagita, directed/choreographed by Kaiji Moriyama, is a brilliant mix of ballet, contemporary dance, butoh and kabuki, merged with Japanese folklore.