It is often said that dance is one of the only universal languages we have. This is especially true of ballet. No matter where you come from, everyone can appreciate the beauty and grace of the art form. We’re fortunate enough to have a variety of incredible ballet companies across Canada, which means that dance lovers don’t need to book a plane ticket to enjoy a spectacular performance. For Fall 2016, ballet enthusiasts can enjoy a number of world class performances which are taking place nationwide during October and November. We’ve rounded up the most coveted ballet productions which are set to hit the stage this autumn.

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Romeo and Juliette – Les Grands Ballets

As a timeless love story, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet have been reimagined everywhere from the silver screen to the stage. Choreographed by the renowned Jean-Christophe Maillot, this ballet interpretation is stripped of the elaborate décor and extravagant costumes that are typical of Shakespearean productions. Instead, Maillot takes a minimalist approach, with few props and a sparse design, and chooses to focus on the passion and violence that are so instrinsic to this story. Maillot’s Romeo and Juliette pays homage to the iconic play’s many big screen renditions by featuring cinematic techniques like slow-motion and flashbacks in order to create a fresh and unique take on the ultimate tale of ill-fated romance.

October 13^th – 28^th – Theatre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts

Dracula – Royal Winnipeg Ballet

We don’t often think of Halloween and ballet as a natural pair. This year, however, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is looking to change that by presenting Dracula as their 77^th season opener. This brooding, edgy production will bring Bram Stoker’s gothic novel to life, and is sure to keep heartbeats racing during its run at the Centennial Concert Hall. Set to a gripping score by Gustav Mahler and choreographed by Mark Godden, audiences will get to watch the classic horror novel come to life just in time for All Hallows’ Eve.

October 26^th– October 30^th – Centennial Concert Hall

Cinderella – National Ballet of Canada

As can be expected from Canada’s premier ballet company, every performance put on by the National Ballet of Canada is a lavish and skillful production. This season’s Cinderella will likely be no exception. Choreographed by James Kudelka, NBC’s Cinderella will take the enchanting fairy tale and give it a modern spin. While honouring the traditional narrative, the production will also ask questions about material rewards and power structures. Accompanied by Sergei Prokofiev’s traditional score, and accentuated by art deco inspired costumes and sets, Cinderella is sure to be an extravagant and expert performance.

November 12^th – 20^th ; Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Ghosts of Violence – Atlantic Ballet of Canada

The Atlantic Ballet of Canada demonstrates what can happen when ballet takes on contemporary social issues in their new production Ghosts of Violence. Choreographed by artistic director Igor Dobrovolskiy, this haunting production grapples with issues of domestic violence. Ghosts of Violence tells four stories – all based on true events – of women who have suffered at the hands of this deadly social problem. This production was originally developed as a short work, but received such positive feedback that Dobrovolskiy decided to choreograph a full-length production. Though difficult to watch at times, this ballet is a call for change and awareness about domestic abuse.

Varied dates across Canada