European ballet has deep traditions. Here's the honest sort.
Tier 1 — destination ballet cities
- London (Royal Ballet): Royal Opera House. World-class season Sept-July.
- Paris (Opéra National de Paris Ballet): Palais Garnier (the iconic venue) + Opéra Bastille.
- Saint Petersburg (politics aside): Mariinsky + Bolshoi-Petersburg connections.
- Vienna (Wiener Staatsballett): Staatsoper + Volksoper.
- Milan La Scala Ballet: Premier Italian ballet.
Tier 2 — strong ballet cities
- Berlin Staatsballett: Three opera houses, ballet between them.
- Amsterdam Het Nationale Ballet: Strong contemporary repertoire.
- Copenhagen Royal Danish Ballet: Bournonville heritage.
- Stockholm Royal Swedish Ballet: Royal Opera.
- Madrid Compañía Nacional de Danza.
Tier 3 — niche but rewarding
- Hamburg Ballett (John Neumeier).
- Stuttgart Ballet (heritage company).
- Munich Bayerisches Staatsballett.
Strategy
- Book 2-3 months ahead for major performances.
- Royal Ballet (London) / Opéra de Paris: Sells out further ahead.
- Standing-room tickets: Vienna and Munich offer cheap (€10-15) standing tickets.
- Mixed bills: Triple-bills are great for ballet introductions.