Jamesty
Ballet, a form of art that is synonymous with grace, precision, and profound storytelling, continues to captivate audiences all over the United States and the world. A number of companies stand out in the year 2025 due to the exceptional artistry of their dancers, the innovative repertoires they have created, and the sheer brilliance of their dancers. These ten companies consistently lead the conversation due to their historical significance, technical mastery, and groundbreaking contributions. Although there is no definitive “ranking” that can truly encompass the diverse excellence that exists within the world of ballet, these ten companies continue to lead the conversation.
List Of Top 10 Best Ballet Companies In The World 2025
1. Bolshoi Ballet
One of the oldest and most influential ballet companies in the world, the Bolshoi Ballet was established in 1776. It is widely recognized as the embodiment of the splendor and power that are characteristic of Russian ballet. During the early 20th century, the company rose to prominence on a global scale, particularly after Moscow became the capital of Soviet Russia. The company’s headquarters are located in the magnificent Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Its early development was influenced by French and Italian traditions; however, in the early 1900s, under the tutelage of ballet masters such as Alexander Gorsky, it developed its own unique and vibrant identity by forging its own identity.
2. Mariinsky Ballet
The Mariinsky Ballet, which was formerly known as the Imperial Russian Ballet and is now based in St. Petersburg, is a direct heir to the pure classical tradition that flourished during the time of the tsars. The history of this company is intricately connected to the evolution of classical ballet, as it was responsible for the premiere of a significant number of Marius Petipa’s most famous works. In addition to being a historical landmark, the Mariinsky Theatre itself serves as a magnificent setting for the performances that the company puts on stage.
3. Paris Opera Ballet
Louis XIV founded the Paris Opera Ballet in 1669, making it the oldest national ballet company in the world. As a result, the Paris Opera Ballet retains an unrivaled position in the history of ballet. In addition to laying the groundwork for professional stage dance, the Académie Royale de Danse was responsible for codifying the five fundamental ballet positions. Pierre Beauchamp was one of the leaders in this endeavor. With the production of La Sylphide in 1832, the company was able to usher in the Romantic ballet era, which was a significant moment in the history of European theatrical dance during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
4. The Royal Ballet
Dame Ninette de Valois established the Royal Ballet in 1931 under the name Vic-Wells Ballet. The Royal Ballet is currently based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, which is located in London. In the year 1956, it was granted its “Royal” charter. She famously hired Nicholas Sergeyev to stage full productions of Marius Petipa’s ballets, thereby laying the groundwork for a robust classical repertoire outside of Russia. De Valois’s vision was to establish a repertory ballet company so that she could also establish a ballet school.
5. American Ballet Theatre
The American Ballet Theatre (ABT), which is widely regarded as the nation’s premier ballet company, was established in 1939 with the intention of showcasing the finest ballets from around the world, ranging from well-known classics to contemporary interpretations, and performing them all over the United States. It has been a significant force in shaping classical ballet in the United States, fostering talent from within the country as well as attracting stars from other countries.
6. New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet (NYCB), which was established in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, is considered to be a cornerstone of American ballet and a living testament to Balanchine’s revolutionary vision. Through the use of his neoclassical style, Balanchine, who is frequently referred to as the “father of American ballet,” revolutionized the traditional art form.
7. San Francisco Ballet
People all over the world know about the San Francisco Ballet for its creative spirit and wide range of performances. The company became known for commissioning new works from up-and-coming choreographers from all over the world early and often under previous leadership, especially Helgi Tomasson. Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, William Forsythe, and Christopher Wheeldon are just a few of the choreographers whose classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works are in its repertoire. The company’s shows at the War Memorial Opera House show that it is dedicated to both preserving the classics and pushing the limits of art. It also puts a lot of emphasis on creating a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
8. National Ballet of Canada
People love the National Ballet of Canada because its dancers are so flexible, expressive, and able to change. The company has a wide range of works in its repertoire, from traditional full-length classics like Rudolf Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty to newer works that they are very dedicated to. It actively supports the making of new Canadian ballets and the growth of Canadian dancers and choreographers. The company does works by a wide range of choreographers, from Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine to John Cranko and more modern artists like Crystal Pite and Wayne McGregor. This shows that the company has a wide range of artistic styles.
9. The Australian Ballet
People often say that the Australian Ballet’s style is athletic, real, bold, and expansive, which makes it stand out. The company has a busy touring schedule, both in the US and around the world. Its repertoire includes a mix of well-known classical pieces and interesting new works. It shows off its strength and flexibility by putting on a wide range of works, from Kenneth MacMillan’s Don Quixote and Yuri Possokhov’s Anna Karenina to new pieces by modern choreographers, including Australian talent. The Australian Ballet School trains a lot of the company’s dancers, and they work closely with them.
10. Dutch National Ballet
The Dutch National Ballet is well-known for its tradition of trying new things and its wide range of performances. It mixes full-length classical story ballets with important works from the 20th century and a lot of new works. The company has been very important in creating a unique Dutch style of dance, especially through the abstract works of its former resident choreographers, such as Hans van Manen, Rudi van Dantzig, and Toer van Schayk. It actively hires international choreographers to create new works and supports young talent through its Junior Company. This makes it a dynamic and forward-thinking force in the global ballet scene. The company has a strong connection to George Balanchine’s works, as it has a lot of his ballets in its repertoire.
