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NYC Ballet Premieres Satirical 'The Naked King' Ballet

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The New York City Ballet will premiere Alexei Ratmansky, the company’s artist in residence, in his narrative ballet "The Naked King" on February 5.
It is inspired by Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes and satirizes power's self-deception.
The idea arose during a 'No Kings' protest against perceived anti-democratic policies under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ratmansky’s perspective has shifted since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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Story summary

The New York City Ballet will premiere Alexei Ratmansky, the company’s artist in residence, in his narrative ballet "The Naked King" on February 5.
It is inspired by Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes and satirizes power's self-deception.
The idea arose during a 'No Kings' protest against perceived anti-democratic policies under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ratmansky’s perspective has shifted since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.