NYC Ballet Fall Season Spotlights Nadon’s Vitality and Danchig-Waring’s Farewell

Key points

• Mira Nadon delivered standout performances in 'Diamonds,' 'Emeralds,' and 'The Concert,' praised for her daring and atmospheric presence.
• The season featured a revival of George Balanchine’s decades-old work 'Pithoprakta,' which critics described as feeling startlingly new.
• Principal dancer Adrian Danchig-Waring performed his final show with the company, marking the end of his tenure after a severe medical crisis in 2024.
• Alexa Maxwell performed in 'La Sonnambula' as part of the fall lineup.
• The season follows the October 2026 Fall Fashion Gala, which raised $3.45 million and featured new choreographic works.

Background

This season follows the October 2026 Fall Fashion Gala, which raised $3.45 million and featured new choreographic works by Jennifer Archibald. It also comes after the announcement in October 2026 that Adrian Danchig-Waring would depart the company following a severe health crisis in late 2024 that left him temporarily unable to walk.

Why it matters

The fall season highlights the resilience of New York City Ballet’s core repertoire and its ability to adapt to significant personnel changes. The farewell of a principal dancer and the revival of classic works underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to balancing historical preservation with contemporary vitality.

What to watch

The company will continue its fall season performances, with audiences expected to focus on the remaining shows featuring principal dancers like Mira Nadon and Alexa Maxwell. Future seasons will likely address the vacancy left by Danchig-Waring’s departure.