The ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Ballet: Dancing Shakespeare’s Love Story

Three productions of the timeless story have charmed ballet audiences for almost a century.

A 2010 production of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Royal Swedish Opera. Shakespeare's play has been performed in ballets throughout the world. Carl Thorborg Kungliga Operan/CC-BY-SA 3.0

William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has been adapted countless times for stage and screen. This timeless, tragic love story with sword fights, a ball, and vibrant market scenes seems just made for interpretation through dance. During the last century, it has become one of ballet’s most popular tales to adapt.

Three versions stand out: the original 1940 Marinsky production, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s beloved 1965 adaptation, and the lesser-known John Neumeier version from 1971.

Prokofiev’s Ballet

In 1935, Sergei Prokofiev composed the score for a ballet of “Romeo and Juliet.” Since its first full production in 1940 at the Kirov Theatre (now the Marinsky Theatre), his score has been used for numerous adaptations by many choreographers.