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Atlanta Ballet announces 2025|2026 Performance season

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor Photography. Courtesy of Ballet Arizona.

Gennadi Nedvigin, Atlanta Ballet's Artistic Director, has announced the 2025|2026 season, promising a dynamic mix of classics, contemporary works and world premieres.

FALL MIXED BILL PROGRAM

September 12-14, 2025

Experience the brilliance of Balanchine as we launch the season with an extraordinary blend of tradition and innovation. Delve into neoclassical masterpieces crafted by the father of American Ballet, complemented by a fascinating Balanchine-inspired piece by the acclaimed choreographer Justin Peck.

Atlanta Ballet dancers in In Creases. Photo by Kim Kenney.

In Creases
Music by Philip Glass
Choreography by Justin Peck

Created by Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck and featuring a live performance of Philip Glass’ Four Movements for Two Pianos, this abstract ballet returns to captivate Atlanta audiences with its unusual, shifting geometric shapes and the complex structures formed by the dancers' bodies. First premiered in 2012 at the New York City Ballet, In Creases established Justin Peck as a worthy heir to the neoclassical traditions of his mentor at the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine.

Cincinnati Ballet dancers in Emeralds. Photo by Hiromi Platt Photography. Courtesy Cincinnati Ballet.

Emeralds
Music by Gabriel Fauré
Choreography by George Balanchine

Emeralds, described by Balanchine as “an evocation of France,” embodies delicate fluidity and lyrical romanticism through its elegant and graceful dances, as well as gemstone-inspired costumes influenced by jewelry design. The exquisite and intricate choreography, set to music by Fauré, reflects the essence of the Balanchine style, and is performed with serenity, charm, and eloquence by seven dancers alongside a female corps de ballet.

Ballet Arizona dancers in Prodigal Son. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. Courtesy Arizona Ballet.

Prodigal Son
Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Choreography by George Balanchine

The story of sin and redemption, Prodigal Son's eternal message, expressive score, and dramatic movement make Balanchine’s last work for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes as modern, exciting, and impactful today as it was in 1929. This masterwork is rich in creativity and emotive storytelling, showcasing the inventiveness and experimentation that characterized the younger Balanchine.

Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

February 6-14, 2026
With the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra
Music by
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Helgi Tomasson (after Marius Petipa)

Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom, a beautiful princess lay asleep.

Embrace the romance, ignite your imagination, and fall in love with The Sleeping Beauty all over again. Step into a world of enchantment as Atlanta Ballet awakens the magic of one of the greatest fairy tales of all time. Prepare to be spellbound as we travel to a magical realm where the battle between good and evil unfolds and true love’s kiss ultimately prevails. The pinnacle of classical ballet, this enduring romantic tale is retold by former San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director, Helgi Tomasson. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet score, performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

SPRING MIXED BILL PROGRAM

April 3-5, 2026

Witness three spectacular premieres in one unforgettable performance. Christopher Wheeldon’s shimmering, swirling, and colorful ballet, Within the Golden Hour, makes its highly anticipated Atlanta debut, alongside world premieres from Yuri Possokhov and Choreographer-in-Residence, Claudia Schreier.

Ballet Arizona dancers in Frida. Photo by Rosalie O'Connor. Courtesy Ballet Arizona.

FRIDA

May 8-10, 2026
With the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra
Music by Peter Salem
Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

A colorful portrait of the life of Frida Kahlo.

Frida, by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, paints a powerful portrait of the life, art, and enduring legacy of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, Frida Kahlo. The emotional, passionate, and introspective world of the celebrated Mexican artist is vividly brought to life through stunning choreography, while her dreams are reimagined with a rich tapestry of paintings, motifs, and self-portraits. Don’t miss this breathtaking and vibrant tribute to an iconic artist, by the creative team who brought Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon to the Atlanta stage.

Season add-on available:

Atlanta Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo by Shoccara Marcus.

The Carlos Family in Honor of Thalia N. Carlos
THE NUTCRACKER

December 6-27, 2025
With the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreographed by Yuri Possokhov

The magical world of The Nutcracker returns to Cobb Energy Centre this December. Atlanta Ballet’s larger-than-life production is a winter wonderland where falling snowflakes, twirling flowers and spinning stars guide Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through a dream-like world of delights – amplified by traditional stage magic and state-of-the-art technology.

Described by ArtsATL as “layered with imagery and so packed with visual details, it’s impossible to take it all in at once: Audiences can return year after year and make new discoveries,” this innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections.

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Atlanta Ballet 2 in Snow White. Photo by Kim Kenney.

Atlanta Ballet 2 presents
SNOW WHITE

March 28-29, 2026

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, which fairy tale ballet will be enjoyed by all?

Experience the magic in this one-hour family performance of the classic fairy tale, Snow White, where goodness abounds, true love triumphs, and friendships flourish. This timeless story of innocence, kindness, and bravery will mesmerize our youngest audiences as they follow the young heroine and her prince in their quest to outsmart the Evil Queen, while also forming seven friendships along their journey.

Our Family Ballets feature short, child-friendly fairy tales expressed through dance and set to classical music. Performed by Atlanta Ballet 2, this production of Snow White will be choreographed by the internationally acclaimed Bruce Wells. Recommended for ages 4 and up.