10 Spectacular Dance Theaters to Help You Celebrate World Theater Day

March 26, 2017

Happy World Theater (or Theatre) Day, friends! In honor of this delightful holiday—which has been celebrated every March 27 since 1962—we rounded up 10 of the world’s most beautiful dance venues. Obviously this is far from a comprehensive list, but it includes theaters both old and new from all over the globe. And it’s perfect daydreaming fodder. Can’t you just picture yourself flying across the stage at the Bolshoi, or dancing for the Queen at Covent Garden?

Palais Garnier, Paris, France

Home of the Paris Opéra Ballet, this exquisite theater is also the setting for The Phantom of the Opera.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, United States

Designed by Frank Gehry, this ultramodern venue is where L.A. Dance Project frequently performs—and its gleaming exterior, as pretty much every dancer in L.A. has discovered, makes a fantastic background for dance pics.

Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia

This regal home of the Bolshoi Ballet first opened in 1825, but it’s looking extra beautiful these days after a complete renovation, which took six years and was completed in 2011.

Copenhagen Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the most expensive opera houses ever built—it cost more than $500 million—this sleek venue is located on the island of Holmen in central Copenhagen, and frequently hosts the Royal Danish Ballet.

Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

Designed by Zaha Hadid, this futuristic venue hosts dance companies from all over the world.

La Scala, Milan, Italy

Home to La Scala Ballet, this glorious theater will turn 240 years old next year.

David H. Koch Theater, New York City, United States

George Balanchine helped design this venue, formerly known as the New York State Theater, so that it’d be perfect for New York City Ballet performances.

Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, United States

Just across the plaza from the Koch Theater sits this massive venue, where American Ballet Theatre mounts its annual spring season.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

One of the world’s most famous buildings, this iconic structure is the Sydney home of The Australian Ballet.

Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), London, England

Home of The Royal Ballet, this elegant theater has hosted ballet performances since 1734.