One of New York’s summer cultural calendar highlights is the return of American Ballet Theatre to the Metropolitan Opera House for its 2026 Summer Season from June 17 through July 18.
The five-week engagement brings together four major full-length ballets — Swan Lake, Onegin, a new production of Don Quixote, and Sylvia — combining beloved classics, dramatic storytelling, and a highly anticipated new staging.
Leading the roster are Joo Won Ahn, Aran Bell, Skylar Brandt, Daniel Camargo, Herman Cornejo, Thomas Forster, Isaac Hernández, Catherine Hurlin, Chloe Misseldine, Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Christine Shevchenko, Cory Stearns, Devon Teuscher, James Whiteside, and Roman Zhurbin. International star Natalia Osipova, Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, returns as a special guest artist during the season.
Swan Lake (June 17–21 and July 13–18)
ABT opens its summer engagement with Swan Lake, Kevin McKenzie’s acclaimed production, returning for performances during opening week before closing the season with an additional July run. Based on the choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s immortal score, the production remains one of the company’s signature classics.
Onegin (June 23–27)
Onegin returns for seven performances, once again showcasing one of ballet’s greatest dramatic works. This engagement carried special significance as Principal Dancer Cory Stearns planned his farewell performance with American Ballet Theatre on Saturday, June 27, dancing the title role that has become one of his defining interpretations. Unfortunately, due to injury and surgery, Mr Stearns was not able to perform.
New Production of Don Quixote (June 29–July 7)
One of the season’s biggest attractions is the world premiere of a new staging of Don Quixote by Artistic Director Susan Jaffe and Susan Jones. Based on the choreography of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, the production features new scenery and costumes by Santo Loquasto with lighting by Natasha Katz.
Sylvia (July 9–12)
Sylvia returns for five performances beginning July 9. Set to Léo Delibes’ lyrical score, the ballet offers audiences the opportunity to experience one of the twentieth century’s finest classical works, with designs by Christopher Ironside and Robin Ironside and additional designs by Peter Farmer.
Beyond the Performances
The Summer Season also features special events. Misty Copeland hosts ABTKids, introducing young audiences to ballet through a family-friendly performance on Saturday, June 27, accompanied by a pre-performance workshop.
Adult dance enthusiasts can participate in the ABT Masters Series, immersive day-long programs combining ballet technique, repertory workshops, artist discussions, and an evening performance. Sessions are scheduled for June 27 (Onegin) and July 18 (Swan Lake).
Throughout the season, ABT will also host celebratory evenings honoring ballet legend Irina Kolpakova, the company’s conductors, Pride Night, and guest artist Natalia Osipova.
Tickets: Single tickets start at $30, with discounted pricing available for students, audience members under 30, and day-of-performance rush tickets, subject to availability. Performances take place at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, one of the world’s premier venues for opera and ballet.
For tickets and the complete schedule, visit the American Ballet Theatre official website.