A defining Vail tradition since 1993, the International Evenings of Dance are celebrated for their dazzling artistry, extraordinary collaborations, and “only in Vail” moments—featuring world premieres, unexpected partnerships, and role debuts by today’s most acclaimed dance artists from around the globe. This summer’s series will feature three distinct International Evenings programs. The gala series opens with Celebrate the Beat, an electrifying performance featuring local Eagle County students sharing the stage with Festival stars. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with breathtaking talent, energy, and inspiration from some of the biggest names in dance today. The performance runs approximately two hours and includes one intermission.
THE EVENING'S PROGRAMCelebrate the Beat with Robbie Fairchild
Jam Session 2026 Music by the Artists Choreography by the Artists with Lil Buck, Michelle Dorrance, Robbie Fairchild, Elijah Geolina (ABT), Daniel Guzmán (ABT), Emiko Nakagawa, Dario Natarelli, Kayla Mak, Ron Myles, and Youba Cissokho (kora), Joel Wenhardt (piano), Derek Wang (melodica), Langston Hughes II (saxophone), Jayla Chee (bass), Eliza Salem (drums)
The Art of the Fugue Music by Johann Sebastian Bach Choreography by Artist-In-Residence Alexei Ratmansky with India Bradley (NYCB), Philip Duclos (Royal Danish Ballet), and Johnny Gandelsman (violin), Michael Nicolas (cello)
Du Bist Die Ruh Music by Franz Schubert Choreography by Richard Tanner with Lauren Lovette, Robbie Fairchild, and Davóne Tines (bass-baritone), Anne-Marie McDermott (piano) Diamonds Pas de Deux Music by Pyotr Ilyitch Tschaikovsky Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust with Chloe Misseldine* (ABT), Ryan Tomash (NYCB) This Bitter Earth from Five Movements, Three Repeats (a 2012 Vail world premiere) Music by Clyde Otis, Max Richter Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon with Sara Mearns (NYCB), Gilbert Bolden III (NYCB), and Brooklyn Rider, Kate Davis (vocals) Fandango (a Vail 2019 world premiere) Music by Luigi Boccherini Choreography by Artist-In-Residence Alexei Ratmansky with Roman Mejia (NYCB), and Brooklyn Rider, Alberta Khoury (guitar), Dario Natarelli (castanets) -INTERMISSION- Afternoon of a Faun Music by Claude Debussy Choreography by Jerome Robbins ©The Robbins Rights Trust with Mira Nadon (NYCB), Ryan Tomash (NYCB), and Brooklyn Rider, Alex Sopp (flute), Michael Scales (piano)Rubies Pas de Deux Music by Igor Stravinsky Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust with Unity Phelan (NYCB), Calvin Royal III (ABT), and Michael Scales (piano)
Mercurial Manouevres Music by Dmitri Shostakovich Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon with Tiler Peck (NYCB), Chun Wai Chan* (NYCB), and Tony Siqi Yun (piano) 24th (a 2019 Vail world premiere) Music by Composer-In-Residence Caroline Shaw Choreography by Lil Buck with Lil Buck and Caroline ShawEurope in the Rain Choreography by Vladyslav Detiuchenko with Veronika Rakitina (United Ukrainian Ballet) and Vladyslav Detiuchenk (United Ukrainian Ballet)
Le Corsaire Pas de Deux Music by Riccardo Drigo Choreography by after Marius Petipa with Yoon Jung Seo (ABT), Takumi Miyake (ABT)
Photo credit: Brooks Landegger and Chloe Misseldine in "Tschaikovsky Pas De Duex" choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust during the International Evenings of Dance I at the 2025 Vail Dance Festival. Photo By Christopher Duggan.
SUMMARY:International Evenings of Dance I ORGANIZER:Vail Dance Festival URL;VALUE=URI:https://vaildance.org/event/ie1/ TRANSP:OPAQUE BEGIN:VALARM ACTION:DISPLAY TRIGGER;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260807T190000 DESCRIPTION:Reminder for International Evenings of Dance I END:VALARM END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR