American Ballet Theatre @ 85 Fall

This fall, American Ballet Theatre celebrates 85 years of groundbreaking artistry, iconic choreography, and unforgettable storytelling with a three-week engagement at the David H. Koch Theater. Featuring five dynamic programs, ABT’s Fall Season honors its past, embraces the present, and leaps into the future. With timeless revivals, thrilling new works, and beloved classics, every performance promises to be a part of history. 

Twyla@60: A Tharp Celebration 
In honor of the legendary Twyla Tharp’s 60-year choreographic legacy, this electrifying program highlights her creative genius with three masterworks that have left a lasting imprint on the dance world. Sextet pulses with modernist flair, Bach Partita is an elegant, abstract response to its Baroque score, and Push Comes to Shove, created for Mikhail Baryshnikov, remains one of ABT’s signature works that brilliantly fuses classical technique with Tharp’s singular wit and style. 

ABT@85: A Retrospective of Master Choreographers 
Journey through the rich tapestry of ABT’s repertoire with this rare program of iconic works by master choreographers. Michel Fokine’s romantic Les Sylphides floats with moonlit lyricism, Antony Tudor’s comedic Gala Performance offers witty satire alongside challenging technique, and Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo brings Americana to the stage with charm and grit. 

ABT@85: Classics to the Contemporary 
From the grandeur of 19th-century classics to bold 21st-century creations, this program is a dazzling showcase of ABT’s range. Natalia Makarova’s unforgettable The Kingdom of the Shades scene from La Bayadère epitomizes classical precision and poetic beauty. Additional selections, including Christian Spuck’s Le Grand Pas de Deux, Victory Gvosky’s Grand Pas Classique, Alexei Ratmansky’s Neo, and pas de deux from Twyla Tharp’s Known By Heart and Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody, deliver technique and theatricality. Rounding out the evening is the radiant wedding celebration of The Sleeping Beauty, Act III. 

ABT@85: Innovations Past and Present 
This forward-looking program celebrates the spirit of innovation that has always propelled ABT. It features a world premiere by Brazilian choreographer Juliano Nunes, whose emotive, sculptural movement vocabulary is reshaping contemporary ballet. Alexei Ratmansky’s Serenade after Plato’s Symposium offers a modern, philosophical take on male camaraderie, while George Balanchine’s exuberant Theme and Variations honors the grandeur of Imperial Russian ballet. 

Special Halloween Program 
This festive, family-friendly Halloween treat features three audience favorites with a whimsical twist. De Mille’s Rodeo returns with its all-American spirit, Le Grand Pas de Deux provides comic brilliance, and George Balanchine’s exuberant Theme and Variations crowns the evening with a dazzling homage to the grandeur of Imperial Russian ballet. Costumes welcome—join us for a night of spirited celebration on and off the stage.

Fall Gala: A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Join American Ballet Theatre for a historic evening celebrating the legendary Misty Copeland, ABT Principal Dancer and cultural trailblazer, as she returns to the stage for her farewell performance. This once-in-a-lifetime gala features a specially curated program of works from Copeland’s celebrated repertoire, performances by ABT and ABT Studio Company, and appearances from distinguished guests. Don’t miss this extraordinary tribute to a singular artist whose impact on ballet and beyond has inspired generations.

ABTKids: A Family Performance Hosted by Misty Copeland
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 11:00am
Share the wonder of dance with the whole family as American Ballet Theatre presents ABTKids, a one-hour performance designed especially for young audiences. Hosted by ABT Principal Dancer Misty Copeland, this enchanting program introduces children ages 4–12 to the magic and beauty of ballet through highlights from the Company’s acclaimed repertoire.

ASL interpretation will be provided for this performance, ensuring accessibility for all. Tickets begin at $30, with a limited number of $175 VIP tickets that include premium seating, a souvenir gift bag, and a post-performance meet-and-greet with an ABT dancer. Please note: all attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Post-Performance Celebrations

Celebrate with us! On select evenings, ABT invites audiences to join special post-performance toasts in honor of landmark premieres and Company milestones. For 2025 Fall, performance ticket holders can join us in the Promenade on Wednesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 29 after the curtain A separate ticket is required to attend each toast.

Celebrate the extraordinary legacy of American Ballet Theatre this fall—five distinct programs, one unforgettable season. Secure your tickets now and experience the power, beauty, and imagination of ABT at 85.