Ballet Austin continues to attract attention for its inventive choreography, technical excellence and comprehensive dance education through the Ballet Austin Academy. The Texas-based company opens its 2014–2015 season on September 26 at The Long Center with a production of the Russian fairy-tale classic The Firebird, staged by artistic director Stephen Mills. The program also pairs this vibrant work with George Balanchine’s influential Agon, creating a compelling evening set to the music of Igor Stravinsky.
Alongside that opening performance, the season lineup offers a variety of highlights to plan for while tickets remain available. The company’s annual holiday favorite, The Nutcracker (December 6–23), returns with new costumes by acclaimed designer Judanna Lynn. In February, audiences can experience Belle Redux/A Tale of Beauty & The Beast (February 13–15, 2015), a commission from 3M featuring an original score by composer Graham Reynolds. March brings Luminaria (March 27–29, 2015), which includes the world premiere of choreography by Jennifer Hart. The season concludes with a production of Swan Lake (May 8–10, 2015), honoring the choreography traditions of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.
Across the season, Ballet Austin blends classical repertoire with new commissions and premieres, offering audiences both beloved full-length ballets and contemporary works that showcase the company’s versatility and commitment to artistic growth. With thoughtfully curated programming and collaborations with prominent designers and composers, the season highlights Ballet Austin’s role as a creative force in the region’s performing-arts scene.