Alabama Ballet Announces Bold 2025–2026 Season: IN THE WAKE
BIRMINGHAM, AL (April 29, 2025) — Alabama Ballet is proud to unveil its highly anticipated 2025–2026 season, IN THE WAKE — a compelling journey of legacy, transformation, and bold artistic forward motion. With a blend of classical masterpieces and innovative new works, this season promises to captivate audiences and deepen the company’s reputation as a leader in the Southern arts landscape. With a blend of classical masterpieces and innovative new works, this season marks Artistic Director Christopher Stuart’s second curated season for the company.
Titled IN THE WAKE, the season embodies the momentum of the company’s artistic evolution — shaped by reflection on the past and a fearless embrace of what lies ahead.
25-26 Season
LEGACY IN MOTION: Celebrating Roger VanFleteren’s 30 Years with Alabama Ballet September 19–21, 2025 | DJD Theater Celebrating the vast contributions over the 30-year career of Associate Artistic Director, Roger VanFleteren. A former soloist with American Ballet Theatre and principal dancer with London City Ballet, VanFleteren has performed works by legendary choreographers such as Kenneth MacMillan, Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. This special performance features a selection of Roger’s favorite pieces, showcasing the artistry, innovation, and passion that have defined his remarkable journey.
GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER® December 12–23, 2025 | BJCC Concert Hall Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® as one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust© to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young-at-heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. Alabama Ballet will be accompanied by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for the first three performances.
AT HOME: MIXTAPE January 30 – February 1, 2026 | Alabama Ballet Center for Dance Experience the intimate artistry of At Home: Mixtape, a new work by Alabama Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Stuart. Set in a black box theatre, this mixed-repertoire performance offers a unique and personal look at the creative process, blending innovative choreography with a dynamic selection of music. The performance promises to explore new dimensions of movement and emotion, allowing the dancers to connect with the audience in an intimate, up-close setting. Don’t miss this exciting and evolving production that pushes the boundaries of dance in a one-of-a-kind performance.
SLEEPING BEAUTY March 13–15, 2026 | BJCC Concert Hall Step into a world of enchantment, romance, and timeless charm with this beloved fairytale ballet. Follow the captivating tale of Princess Aurora, caught between the wicked curse of Carabosse and the protective magic of the noble Lilac Fairy—a spell that only true love’s kiss can break. Sleeping Beauty comes to life with breathtaking sets, vibrant costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score performed live by the ASO, making it an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
UNBOUND: Serenade & Carmina Burana May 8–10, 2026 | BJCC Concert Hall Prepare for an electrifying evening of music and movement as Alabama Ballet presents Unbound: Serenade & Carmina Burana with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The program opens with George Balanchine’s Serenade, celebrating 90 years as a luminous neoclassical masterpiece set to Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score. Then, the mood shifts as Carmina Burana, choreographed by Paul Vasterling, ignites the stage with raw intensity—Carl Orff’s thunderous, pulsing score drives a bold and provocative exploration of fate, passion, and indulgence. From ethereal beauty to unbridled revelry, this exhilarating performance promises a night of contrast, drama, and unforgettable artistry.
Season Subscriptions
Season subscriptions open June 18 with the launch of Alabama Ballet’s brand-new ticketing platform, designed to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
About Alabama Ballet
The Alabama Ballet is the state’s premiere professional ballet company. The company has achieved national prominence as one of only eight ballet companies in the world permitted by the Balanchine Trust to perform Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. The Alabama Ballet promotes the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performances, dance education and community outreach. Education and outreach activities include CityDance, which provides 16 weeks of dance training for youth from the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Alabama Ballet is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
