Balanchine once famously said "ballet is woman," and in Walpurgisnacht Ballet he sends 24 women soaring across the stage with wild abandon.

In 1925, Balanchine choreographed dances for a production of Gounod’s Faust given by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo; they were danced by Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. He made dances for other productions of the opera in 1935, when he was ballet master for the Metropolitan Opera, and in 1945 for the Opera Nacional, Mexico City. Walpurgisnacht Ballet was choreographed for a 1975 production of Faust by the Théâtre National de l’Opéra, danced by the Paris Opéra Ballet. The New York City Ballet premiere was the first presentation of the choreography as an independent work.

The Walpurgisnacht scene occurs at the beginning of the opera’s last act, when Mephistopheles brings Faust to watch the traditional celebration on the eve of May Day when the souls of the dead are released to wander at will. Although the ballet does not depict Walpurgisnacht per se, it does build on a sense of joyful revelry.

Set to Prokofiev’s feverish concerto, Opus 19/The Dreamer follows a male protagonist on a journey to find his elusive and ethereal counterpart.

Originally choreographed in 1979 for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Patricia McBride, the ballet for 14 dancers is set to Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, which premiered in 1923 and has become one of the most beloved works for violin in the classical repertory.

NYCB’s resident choreographer Justin Peck unveils a brand-new creation that pulses with rhythm, personality, and invention. Known for his seamless fusion of classical technique and contemporary flair, Peck once again redefines what ballet can be — alive, dynamic, and distinctly New York.

Justin Peck’s new work for New York City Ballet bursts with inventive energy and modern rhythm, capturing the pulse of the city itself. Known for his signature blend of classical precision and contemporary drive, Peck creates movement that feels both timeless and electric. This world premiere embodies the essence of New Combinations — daring, fresh, and unmistakably New York.

This charming and romantic duet sparkles with effortless grace and charm. With quick footwork, buoyant leaps, and lighthearted expression, it captures the youthful joy of love and the refined elegance of 19th-century ballet.

Libretto: Flower Festival in Genzano, Pas de Deux

Set in the small Italian town of Genzano during a joyful flower festival, the ballet captures a lighthearted moment between two young lovers, Rosa and Paolo. Amidst music, dancing, and blossoms, the couple express their affection through a playful and elegant duet filled with charm, grace, and youthful spontaneity.

There is no dramatic conflict or narrative tension — instead, the pas de deux celebrates romantic happiness, purity, and the simple beauty of love. Through delicate footwork, buoyant jumps, and soft gestures, the dancers embody the spirit of spring and the carefree joy of young hearts at a festival in full bloom.