Louisville Ballet invites audiences to immerse themselves in a season of Favorites + Fantasies, where enchantment, passion, and mystery unfold on stage.
From the haunting allure of Dracula to the magical charm of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and the tragic beauty of Swan Lake, this season promises to bring together timeless stories and innovative new works.
The 2025-2026 Season is full of treasured classics and world premieres, showcasing the rich artistry and creativity that make Louisville Ballet an unparalleled cultural force in the region. Prepare to be captivated by legendary tales, daring new works, and performances that celebrate both the familiar and the fantastical.
“This season, we celebrate the power of storytelling through movement, offering a mix of nostalgia and innovation that will captivate the hearts of our community,” said Mikelle Bruzina, Artistic Director. “From the haunting depths of Dracula to the whimsical enchantment of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, each performance promises to transport our audience into worlds of passion, mystery, and profound beauty.”
Below is an overview of our 2025-2026 Season.
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
August 6-10, 2025, at C. Douglass Ramey Amphitheatre in Central Park
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream captures the charm and folly of Shakespeare’s most fantastical play, transporting audiences to a world where anything is possible and love conquers all in the most surprising and delightful of ways. Roger Creel, resident director for Louisville Ballet’s Shakespeare in Dance series, will create an all-new choreography for this production.
Choreographer: Roger Creel
- Roger Creel, a Massachusetts native, is the resident director of Louisville Ballet’s Shakespeare in Dance series. Roger has created nine works for the Company, including evening-length versions of The Tempest, King Lear, Cleopatra, As You Like It, and Macbeth (Lady M).
- Roger danced with Louisville Ballet from 2013 to 2018 after graduating summa cum laude from Amherst College with degrees in Geology and English. Roger performed leading roles with Louisville Ballet in classical and contemporary works.
Music: Felix Mendelssohn
Dracula
October 10-11, 2025, at The Brown Theatre
Sink your teeth into this deliciously dark adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, Dracula. This chilling production explores the haunting tale of Count Dracula, told through the eyes of the madman Renfield, the haunted Mina, and her devoted husband, Jonathan Harker. Just in time for Halloween, this twisted story of obsession reveals a love gone wrong, from first bite to final breath.
Choreographed by the late Alun Jones, former Artistic Director of Louisville Ballet, Dracula will feature a newly inspired scenic design by Louisville native Eric Allgeier. Allgeier has over 25 years of experience locally and nationally as a scenic designer and has served as a teacher for nearly twenty years at the Youth Performing Arts School of Louisville.
Choreographer: The late Alun Jones, former Artistic Director for Louisville Ballet
Music: George Crumb + Bela Bartok
Scenic Design: Eric Allgeier
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
December 12-22, 2025, at The Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall
Discover unbelievable magic and unforgettable memories this holiday season with The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, a Kentucky-crafted tradition. Journey with Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to experience a classic story with distinctly local flair. Choreographed by Val Caniparoli, with magic and illusion design by Marshall Magoon, and featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is the holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
Choreographer: Val Caniparoli
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake
February 27-28, 2026, at The Brown Theatre
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and timeless drama of Swan Lake, one of the world’s most beloved and iconic ballets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s heartwrenching score, this tragic tale tells the story of Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with the ethereal Odette. Transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette and Siegfried’s love faces an impossible battle against dark forces. Can their love break the curse, or will it lead to their undoing?
Choreographer: Mikelle Bruzina, inspired by Marius Petipa
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Scenic Design: Karl Anderson
(Karl has held several positions in the Louisville arts community, including Actors Theatre, Solid Light, and Stage One)
Choreographers’ Showcase
March 20-29, 2026, at Louisville Ballet Studios
Step into the studio for an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience at Choreographers’ Showcase, where bold new works and creative innovation take center stage. This dynamic annual production highlights the athleticism and artistry of ballet, providing a unique opportunity to see Louisville Ballet’s talented artists present a series of thrilling new pieces.
Choreographers: Louisville Ballet Artists
“Louisville Ballet’s 2025-2026 season underscores our commitment to serving our patrons and remaining a relevant force in the arts and culture community,” said Leslie Smart, CEO of Louisville Ballet. “Our goal is to remain a vital arts anchor in the community and state arts landscape, creating experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect people to the power of dance.”
For tickets and more information about the season, visit LouisvilleBallet.org
