American Ballet Theatre at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Arab World Premiere One of the world's most celebrated dance companies returns to Abu Dhabi with an One of the world’s most celebrated dance companies returns to Abu Dhabi with an extraordinary programme that celebrates the richness and evolution of ballet, from the elegance of the classical tradition to the poetic imagination of contemporary choreography. Bringing together four distinctive works, including a world premiere, the evening highlights the remarkable versatility, artistry, and technical brilliance of American Ballet Theatre’s dancers. The programme opens with Frederick Ashton’s radiant Birthday Offering, a luminous tribute to the classical ballerina set to Alexander Glazunov’s sparkling score. Originally created to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sadler’s Wells Ballet, the work remains one of the twentieth century’s finest expressions of classical elegance and choreographic musicality. After the interval comes Nuages by the legendary Jiří Kylián, inspired by Claude Debussy’s evocative music. Dreamlike and deeply atmospheric, the work reflects Kylián’s singular ability to unite poetic imagery with expressive movement. It is followed by Trio élégiaque, a new commission by the gifted young choreographer Brady Farrar, set to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s intensely lyrical music and bringing a fresh and compelling contemporary voice to the evening. The programme concludes with the magnificent Paquita, staged by Natalia Makarova after Marius Petipa. Renowned for its regal style, brilliant ensemble work, and dazzling Grand Pas Classique, this enduring masterpiece offers a spectacular finale and a glorious celebration of American Ballet Theatre’s distinguished classical tradition. Programme Birthday Offering Choreography by FREDERICK ASHTON Music by ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV (“Concert Waltz No.1,” “Ruses d’Amour,” and excerpts from “The Seasons” and “Scène de Ballet”) Arranged and Orchestrated by ROBERT IRVING Costumes by ANDRÉ LEVASSEUR Lighting by STEVEN SHELLEY Staged by HELEN CRAWFORD Birthday Offering is performed by arrangement with The Frederick Ashton Foundation and is one of over 100 ballets created by Frederick Ashton (1904–1988). These performances are presented as part of the Ashton Worldwide 2024–2028 festival. For further information, visit frederickashton.org.uk Music by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, U.S. and Canadian agent for Schott Music, publisher and copyright owner. Costumes executed by Barbara Matera, Ltd. Birthday Offering was created for The Royal Ballet on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, receiving its premiere at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on May 5, 1956. It entered the repertory of American Ballet Theatre on October 25, 1989, at the Jesse H. Jones Hall in Houston, Texas. This is, in every sense, a celebration: a ballet created in 1956 to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sadler’s Wells Ballet, the company that, only months later, would receive its Royal Charter and become The Royal Ballet. It is a tribute from Ashton to the ballerinas who had shaped the company’s identity, and an affectionate homage to the classical tradition from which it had grown. Set to a selection of Glazunov’s music arranged by Robert Irving, the ballet is conceived as a display of seven ballerinas and their partners, each given a variation tailored to her particular gifts: speed, lyricism, attack, or serene poise. Ashton, often regarded as the most musical of choreographers, weaves these contrasting personalities into a single, gracious whole, crowned by a pas de deux for the leading couple. In this sense, Birthday Offering looks back to the imperial grandeur of Petipa while speaking with the clarity and refinement of the English style. It calls for the utmost precision and elegance from every dancer and remains one of the most radiant tributes ever made to the art of the ballerina. INTERMISSION Nuages Choreography by JIŘÍ KYLIÁN Assistant to the Choreographer: GLEN EDDY Music by CLAUDE DEBUSSY(“Trois Nocturnes”) Costume Design by JIŘÍ KYLIÁN Light and Adapted