Indianapolis Ballet has announced its highly anticipated 2026/27 season – with what it calls an extraordinary lineup of seven productions that underscores a historic level of artistic growth, community integration, and symphonic partnership.
Embracing its deep ties to the region, the organization is launching the season under the creative banner “Ballet in Your City.” This campaign features Indianapolis Ballet company artists captured dancing amid iconic Circle City landmarks, illustrating that classical and contemporary ballet is prevalent, relevant, deeply rooted, and flourishing within the city’s diverse cultural ecosystem.
In a milestone achievement for the city’s performing arts landscape, the 2026/27 season will present three major collaborations alongside the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall – Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Ballet Russes. This landmark partnership brings live symphonic music to the forefront of the ballet experience at a scale never before realized in the company’s history. Audiences will experience grand-scale storytelling, world-class choreography, and a vibrant collection of company and world premieres designed to enchant seasoned patrons and ballet newcomers alike, Ballet officials said.
“Ballet in Your City” reimagines classical dance outside traditional theater walls. By positioning the company’s world-class dancers against the architectural and cultural backdrops of the city’s most treasured landmarks, from Monument Circle to the White River State Park, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder that ballet belongs to everyone, breathing life and movement directly into the heart of the community we call home.
2026/27 Season Productions:
– Close Encounters at the District Theatre. Oct. 1-4. Close Encounters launches Indianapolis Ballet’s 2026/27 season with an inspiring collection of new works created by the company’s artistic team, company artists, and guest choreographers. Performed in the intimate setting of The District Theatre, this unique program invites audiences to experience ballet from a fresh perspective, offering an up-close look at the artistry, athleticism, and creativity that bring each new work to life.
– Cinderella with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall. Nov. 6-8.
Experience the magic of Cinderella, Indianapolis Ballet’s company premiere of the beloved fairytale ballet, choreographed and staged by Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Emerita, Victoria Morgan. This enchanting production brings a timeless story to life with dazzling choreography, sweeping live music, and unforgettable characters, making it a perfect outing for audiences of all ages.
– The Nutcracker with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall. Dec. 17-22. Join Clara on her incredible Christmas Eve journey to the Land of the Sweets with Indianapolis Ballet’s annual holiday tradition of The Nutcracker. Since 2007, the production of The Nutcracker has continued to enchant audiences here in central Indiana. The audience will be swept away by swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy as Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, led by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, fills Clowes Memorial Hall.
– Family Series: Nutcracker Sweets at Schrott Center for the Arts. Dec. 27-30. Introduce the whole family to the magic of ballet with Nutcracker Sweets, Indianapolis Ballet’s beloved Family Series production, now at the Schrott Center for the Arts. This delightful one-hour adaptation of The Nutcracker, with performances at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., captures all the holiday charm of the classic in a bite-sized format that’s perfect for young audiences, first-time balletgoers, and anyone looking to start a new holiday tradition.
– Ballet Russes with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall. March 5-7. Ballet Russes is described as an exhilarating celebration of the groundbreaking works and artistic legacy that transformed the world of dance. Highlighted by the world premiere of Matthew Neenan’s The Firebird and George Balanchine’s Raymonda Variations, this spectacular program combines powerful choreography and live orchestral music for an unforgettable finale inspired by one of ballet’s most influential eras.
– Family Series: The Enchanted Toy Shop at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. April 16-18. Step into a world of imagination with The Enchanted Toy Shop, the final Family Series production of Indianapolis Ballet’s 2026/27 season at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. Filled with whimsical characters, playful storytelling, and charming choreography, audiences will witness the toy shop coming to life right before their eyes! This delightful ballet is the perfect introduction to the art form for young audiences and a magical experience the whole family can enjoy together.
– To the Point(e) at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. May 21-23. Celebrate the enduring legacy of George Balanchine with To the Point(e), Indianapolis Ballet’s inspiring season finale at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. This program honors one of ballet’s greatest visionaries while advancing Indianapolis Ballet’s mission to preserve, perform, and share the rich tradition of classical ballet with today’s audiences through exceptional artistry and education.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Season subscription renewals for current IB subscription ticket holders opened July 20. Public season subscription and single-ticket sales will open Friday, Aug. 7. For more information and updates on the 2026/27 season, visit www.indyballet.org.
ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS BALLET
The company is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of professional ballet and dance education through extraordinary performances and world-class training. Centrally located in the heart of downtown, the Indianapolis School of Ballet (ISB) has served as Indiana’s premier destination for professional dance instruction since opening its doors to students in 2006. With its debut in early 2018, Indianapolis Ballet has established the presence of a fully professional, resident ballet company in the Circle City for the first time in over a decade. For more information on how Indianapolis Ballet, Inc. is moving this timeless art form forward in Indianapolis, visit www.indyballet.org and follow @indyballet on Facebook and Instagram.
