LA Ballet’s 20th season will feature its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” (photo by Reed Hutchinson)

Los Angeles Ballet announced the 2025-26 season, marking a major milestone with the company’s 20th anniversary. LAB holds the distinction of being the longest-operating professional classical ballet company in the history of Los Angeles. Over the past two decades, its beloved production of “The Nutcracker” and rich repertory have attracted wide and growing audiences.

Season 20 will see LAB continue its residency in January 2026 at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with a triple bill production, “20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet,” featuring George Balanchine’s “Rubies,” Hans van Manen’s “Frank Bridge Variations” and a new work by Artistic Director Melissa Barak, her third since taking the helm in 2022.

Spring 2026 will mark LAB’s debut at The Music Center with a production of the ultra-classic, timeless ballet, “Giselle” at The Ahmanson Theatre. The season opens in December 2025 commemorating 20 years of the Los Angeles holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.”

In its history, LAB has presented the works of celebrated choreographers such as Aszur Barton, Alejandro Cerrudo, Val Caniparoli, Christopher Wheeldon, Jiri Kylian, Jose Limon, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Melissa Barak. The company is also known for its staging of classical and neoclassical works in the canon of ballet by George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton and August Bournonville.

“The 20th season marks a huge milestone for the company. Our mixed repertoire this year is a nod to our past, present and future which I felt was important,” Barak said. “Being able to celebrate all that LAB has accomplished over the years is thanks to many donors, board members, dancers, choreographers and leaders who have cared enough to see this company grow and materialize in Los Angeles. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to carry the torch.”

Jennifer Bellah Maguire, board chair of LAB, noted that season 20 marks a turning point for the company.

“We are thrilled that the public embraces our exceptional dancers and the talented artistic leadership of Melissa Barak. As the company continues to mature, we have gained wisdom and developed strategies to thrive in a challenging environment,” she said. “Our ambitious plans for the future include accelerating growth as a performing arts company and expanding our highly regarded public outreach programs.”

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. For information, visit losangelesballet.org.