Virtual Museum

Romeo and Juliet

About the Ballet

William Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet was one of the first works of literature to inspire ballet choreographers, so perfectly suited to dance are its drama, romance and tragedy. Though Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been translated into dance since the early 19th century, it is in the 20th century that productions have been especially prolific. Since the 1930’s, choreographers have been particularly fortunate to have Sergei Prokofiev’s musical score specifically written for the ballet. It was his intuitive understanding of Shakespeare’s poetry that has left, for generations of ballet and music lovers, the greatest full-length ballet score since those created by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the late 19th century. The score and its history have also proven an inspiration to dozens of contemporary choreographers including John Cranko, Sir Frederick Ashton and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most beloved ballets and most major companies hold a version in their repertoire. John Cranko’s production of Romeo and Juliet, which entered The National Ballet of Canada’s repertoire in 1964 and became one of the company’s signature productions, has been performed by ballet companies all over the world including Miami City Ballet and Vienna State Opera Ballet.

As part of the National Ballet's 60th anniversary celebrations, a new production of Romeo and Juliet was commissioned by internationally celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmanksy. This world premiere is a totally fresh, brilliantly imagined interpretation of Shakespeare's play. Ratmansky blends the elegance and stateliness of a classical vocabulary with the intense emotional edge of the modern to create an unforgettable version of one of the greatest dance dramas ever.

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Ballet Notes

Get more insight into the production - Ballet Notes are detailed guides to the company's dynamic repertoire. Read the synopsis and articles and view more photos in the Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story Suite Ballet Notes.  

Read the 2007 West Side Story Suite Ballet Notes

Read the 2009 Romeo and Juliet Ballet Notes

Read the 2011 Romeo and Juliet Ballet Notes

Read the 2013 Romeo and Juliet Ballet Notes