We often think of ballet as a bit stiff, but in Montreal, dance is everywhere except in the past. This spring, the city is pulling out all the stops: from revisited classics under the gilded ceilings of the Rialto to sophisticated shows at Place des Arts. Whether you’re a regular at the Quartier des Spectacles or just looking for an excuse to visit theOlympia, this year’s program is sure to impress. We’ve selected the must-see spots that are worth a visit!
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier (Place des Arts)
This is the headquarters of elegance and home to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. This legendary stage will host The Lake from May 28 to June 6, 2026, a contemporary reinterpretation by Ivan Cavallari accompanied bythe Orchestre des Grands Ballets. This stage is the place to come and experience ballet in all its splendor, with world-class productions that thrill audiences.
The Théâtre Maisonneuve
Right next to the large Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Théâtre Maisonneuve offers exceptional visibility to appreciate every technical detail. It is the preferred venue for Ballets Jazz Montréal, the iconic company that spreads the energy of the metropolis throughout the world. People come here for their hybrid style, both athletic and sophisticated, which proves that Montreal ballet is not afraid to shake up the rules and infuse tradition with a massive dose of groove.
With its gilding, marble staircases, and neo-baroque style, the Rialto is undoubtedly the most “European” venue in Montreal. What better place to host Tchaikovsky’s absolute masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty? Seeing this monument of classical ballet in a historic landmark during a Ballet of Lights performance is like taking a trip back in time, where every movement of the dancers seems to respond to the architectural details of the ceiling.
Salle Ludger-Duvernay (Monument-National)
Nestled in the historic Monument-National building, Salle Ludger-Duvernay offers a unique theatrical atmosphere. From May 13 to 17, 2026, it will once again be the setting for a collaboration between Ex Machina ( Robert Lepage) and Côté Danse for Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. This powerful narrative ballet combines ingenious staging with inspired choreography, giving Shakespeare’s classic a rare physical intensity in a breathtaking setting.
The Olympia
A historic former movie theater with incomparable charm,the Olympia is transformed into a true fairy tale setting this season. Here you can experience the enchantment of Cinderella, a production that combines technical virtuosity with magical staging. The proximity of the stage and the acoustics of this legendary Village venue lend an almost sensual dimension to each pirouette.
Salle Pierre-Mercure (Centre Pierre-Péladeau at UQAM)
This spring, Salle Pierre-Mercure will be the scene of a historic celebration. On May 29 and 30, 2026, the Corps de Ballet gala will mark the 60th anniversary of the school, a true Montreal institution. In a festive atmosphere, the next generation will take to the stage once again to honor six decades of tradition and passion. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a varied and vibrant program that proves that the city’s talent and next generation of choreographers are more alive than ever.
Centennial Concert Hall
This is the beating heart of culture in Manitoba, a magnificent venue where the grandeur of the stage is matched only by the quality of its acoustics. The permanent home of the prestigious Royal Winnipeg Ballet, this hall hosts the most ambitious productions of the season. From March 12 to 15, 2026, it will be the ideal place to experience the magic of Sleeping Beauty, where the grandeur of the set and the precision of the dancers combine to transform a simple evening into a timeless moment.