Join Ballet Austin in celebrating the beauty of tradition and the thrill of the new with their 2025–26 season. “My goal has always been to honor the classical foundations while pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be,” says Artistic Director Stephen Mills. “This season, we continue that pursuit with a collection of works that embody our commitment to being ‘classically innovative.’”
The Long Center | Sept 26–28, 2025
Not all fairy tales are meant for children. Stephen Mills’ Grimm Tales reveals the cautionary truths lurking beneath the surface of 19th-century fairy tales. Inspired by the provocative, large format gouache and pastel drawings of feminist painter Natalie Frank, this mesmerizing production immerses audiences in a world where innocence meets darkness. With an original score by Graham Reynolds, costumes by Tony Award–nominated designer Constance Hoffman, and an awe-inspiring set by George Tsypin, Grimm Tales is a hauntingly beautiful experience that will leave you spellbound.
The Long Center | Dec 5–23, 2025
A treasured holiday tradition returns! Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of The Nutcracker is a dazzling spectacle filled with magic, wonder, and timeless charm. Follow Clara on her enchanting journey from a festive holiday party to the shimmering Land of Sweets, where she meets the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy and the brave Nutcracker Prince. Featuring festive sets, exquisite costumes, and live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, this beloved classic creates cherished holiday memories year after year.
The Long Center | Feb 13–15, 2026
Stephen Mills shares three deeply personal works in an evening of dance that explores transformation, resilience, and celebration through a retrospective lens.
The Pink Confetti Dance bursts with energy, showcasing Mills’ signature style. Playful and vibrant, it’s a joyful exploration of movement, color, and the sheer delight of dance.
Four Mortal Men—commissioned by Beverly Dale—is a remembrance of the early days of the AIDS crisis drawn from Mills’ personal experiences as a young dancer living in New York City during that time. This profoundly moving work captures the courage and humanity of friends lost.
Liminal Glam is a mesmerizing high impact work filled with powerful, contemporary movement in stellar, futuristic costumes that complement the driving Philip Glass score.
The Long Center | March 27–29, 2026
In this mysteriously seductive reimagining of Marie Antoinette’s story, Stephen Mills transforms the infamous queen into a creature of the night, wielding power through allure, ambition, and an insatiable thirst. Drawing inspiration from the pages of history, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the gothic romance of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, this full-length, world premiere production blends high drama with supernatural intrigue. With hauntingly elegant choreography and a visually opulent design, Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles unveils a world where desire is deadly, betrayal is inevitable, and even the most powerful must ultimately face the blade.
The Long Center | May 8–10, 2026
Embark on a whimsical adventure with Ballet Austin’s delightful adaptation of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Stephen Mills’ playful choreography, combined with imaginative Cambodian shadow puppetry and fantastical creatures, breathes new life into this timeless story. Join Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina on their quest for love and truth, encountering quirky characters and magical trials along the way. With stunning visuals and Mozart’s beloved score, The Magic Flute is a heartwarming and unforgettable journey into the world of fantasy and romance fit for all ages.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Season subscriptions are available now.
Single ticket and Nutcracker ticket sales will go on sale in the summer.
Featured Photo: Ballet Austin in Stephen Mills’ Grimm Tales. Photo by Anne Marie Bloodgood.
