Looking for ballet in Chicago this Spring? Well, you’re in luck because the renowned Joffrey Ballet is back this February and March with a reimagining of two shows. Ballet of Lights is bringing its fibre-optic glow to Chicago too!
1. The Joffrey Ballet: “Eugene Onegin”
For those seeking high drama and period-piece opulence, the Joffrey’s presentation of John Cranko’s Onegin is the crown jewel of the season. Based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel, this production is celebrated for its searing emotional intensity and intricate pas de deux. It is a masterclass in ballet as theater, following a story of unrequited love and a duel that changes everything.
📍Lyric Opera House
📅June 4 – 14, 2026
2. Ballet of Lights
Ballet of Lights is a captivating show that blends classical dance with cutting-edge technology. Featuring scenes from Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces, the production stars dancers in stunning fiber-optic costumes that glow and change colors in sync with the music. It is a vibrant, high-tech reimagining of traditional ballet that creates a truly immersive and magical sensory experience.
📍Athenaeum Center
📅Various dates
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show
3. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
A perennial Chicago favorite, the Ailey company returns with its signature blend of modern dance, ballet, and jazz. While the program often features new contemporary commissions, no Ailey residency is complete without Revelations—an American masterpiece that uses African-American spirituals to explore the spectrum of human emotion.
📍Auditorium Theatre
📅April 24 – 26, 2026
4. Ballet 5:8: The House on Mango Street
For a local flavor with deep literary roots, Ballet 5:8’s adaptation of Sandra Cisneros’ beloved novel is a standout. This production translates the vibrant, coming-of-age vignettes of the book into a narrative ballet, celebrating Hispanic culture and the search for identity in Chicago’s own neighborhoods.
📍Harris Theater
📅May 8 – 9, 2026
5. World Ballet Company: Cinderella
If you are looking for a quintessential “fairytale” experience for the whole family, the World Ballet Company’s Cinderella is the top choice. Expect hand-painted backdrops, over 150 stunning costumes, and the classic Prokofiev score.
📍Rialto Square Theatre
📅April 16, 2026
