Standout Performances of 2023: Readers’ Choice
It’s that time of year again…Introducing your 2023 Readers’ Choice Standout Performances!
From Nutcracker to romantic classics, exciting world premieres, and more, a variety of performances by dancers and companies made this year’s list. We love learning what has made an impression on you and why.
Thank you to everyone who nominated, whether via email or through a social media shout-out. (Entries have been edited for length and clarity.)
Orlando Ballet in Serenade
“It was the most beautiful rendition of Serenade I have ever seen. The sweeping score as performed by Bach Festival Society of Winter Park made us weep before the curtain had even risen…Orlando Ballet is at the top of its game right now with its roster of dancers and I am happy I was able to witness it.” —Dakota
Atlanta Ballet in La Sylphide
“I was amazed when I first saw it a few years ago and found even more delightful details this time around. Every dancer was allowed to demonstrate their artistry to the fullest and go beyond the steps. This time we had the extra treat of getting to see [Johan] Kobborg himself in the role of Madge. It’s been fascinating to see [the dancers’] growth, and seeing them alongside a star like Kobborg made me feel even more amazed at how far they have come as a company and as individuals.” —Rosi
American Liberty Ballet’s Allie Hutchins as Giselle
“Her stage presence, acting, pure classical lines, and mad scene took my breath away. I did not watch Allie Hutchins dancing as Giselle, but the Giselle. Hutchins has that star quality and thing you really, truly cannot teach, a tangible passion that has been missing from a lot of ‘bigger’ artists; she is one to keep your eyes on.” —Alexandria
The Royal Ballet in Sleeping Beauty
“In general, I’m not a fan of Petipa’s choreography, and have been bored by large sections of any production of The Sleeping Beauty I’ve seen. This production was so flawless and gorgeously done that I loved every moment of it. The costumes and sets were beautiful, and the dancing was superb. There was no question coming out of it that they are one of the best ballet companies in the world.” —Zachari
St. Louis Ballet’s Olivia Cornelius as Giselle
“The delicacy of her port de bras and clarity of her movement were truly astonishing as she embraced and fully embodied this iconic role. Her balances en pointe, both during her first act variation and the second act pas de deux, were sustained and impossibly floaty—what she achieved was beyond human.” —Elaine
Indiana University’s new Nutcracker
“It was hands-down the most magical version of The Nutcracker I have ever seen. The changes that Sasha [Janes] made make the two acts seem more cohesive and complete. It had just enough new tweaks to make it exciting and magical and yet was missing none of the parts of the traditional Nutcracker that keep it nostalgic.” —April
Malandain Ballet Biarritz in L’Oiseau de Feu
“With an exceptional dancer, Hugo Layer. Keep an eye on this young man!” —Anne
Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre
“Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre has had a solid season, especially with Ana Maria Lucaciu’s Long Ago and Only Once. This show should be an example for what dance theater performance can be, touching on big subjects without isolating the audience. Their rep shows have also been quite remarkable. Most notably a collaboration with Atlanta Ballet company member and latest star choreographer Darian Kane, which featured a pregnant Rachel Van Buskirk in a family saga set in WWII from a woman’s perspective. Terminus brings the dance community of Atlanta together and it’s impressive to see the quality of work they are able to produce while being a small company.” —Rosi
Amanda Morgan and Jonathan Breight in Anabelle Lopez-Ochoa’s Lacrimosa at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
“This choreography and these dancers were like nothing I have seen before; they danced truly as one, and the iconography of the piece just struck my heart strings. Amanda and Jonathan took risks and made myself and the whole audience gasp, she leaping many feet away backwards trusting he would catch her without a beat of hesitation from either of them. Truly a memorable performance!” —Steve
Michael Pink’s Hunchback of Notre Dame at Milwaukee Ballet
“A virtuosic tour de force of a gorgeous series of pas de deux by principal artists Parker Brasser-Vos as Phoebus and Marize Fumero as Esmeralda…magical chemistry!” —V. Jean
American Ballet Theatre in Like Water for Chocolate
“With Claire Davison as Mama Elena. I loved the music composed by Joby Talbot and orchestrated by Ben Foskett. The beautiful story [was] told so clearly with wonderful choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. I hope ABT continues to commission new story ballets.” —Ana Claire
Other Favorites
Alberta Ballet in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s BOTERO
American Contemporary Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite
Astana Opera Ballet’s new Swan Lake
BalletCollective’s The Night Falls
Ballet Frontier’s Carmen
Boston Ballet in Don Quixote
Carlos Acosta in Carlos at 50, at the Royal Opera House
Charlotte Ballet in Jennifer Archibald’s HdrM
Eugene Ballet’s Koki Yamaguchi as Petrushka in Suzanne Haag’s Petrushka
Joffrey Ballet in Anna Karenina
Los Angeles Ballet in Melissa Barak’s Memoryhouse
Madison Ballet’s Innovation program
Natalia Osipova’s City Center Show, Force of Nature
New York City Ballet in Serenade
New York City Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
New York City Ballet in The Times Are Racing
Oregon Ballet Theatre in Swan Lake
Pacific Northwest Ballet in Petite Mort
The Royal Ballet in The Cellist
The Royal Ballet in Don Quixote
Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Snow White
San Francisco Ballet in Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella
Turn It Out with Tiler Peck and Friends at Sadler’s Wells, in London
Victorian State Ballet in Giselle
