2025-2026 SEASON

dracula

Presented by Richards Carrington, LLC
October 3–12, 2025
The return of Colorado’s cult favorite, Dracula promises all the spine-chilling drama and dark screams of this classic gothic love story set in 19th century Transylvania, based on the novel by Bram Stoker. With choreography by Michael Pink and Philip Feeney’s original score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, Dracula's return to the Mile High City illuminates the spooky season for audiences craving a thrilling adventure. 

THE NUTCRACKER

Presented by PNC Bank
November 29–December 28, 2025
The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages. This timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

the great gatsby

Presented by Mary Ellen and David Wright
January 30-February 8, 2026 
Continuing to bring new and innovative works to Denver, Colorado Ballet presents The Great Gatsby. Originally scheduled to appear at The Ellie in 2021 during the pandemic, this new ballet will make its long-anticipated premiere at Colorado Ballet, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties through cinematic sets, an original score by Carl Davis, and dramatic choreography by Jorden Morris. Experience the decadence of history’s most carefree decade as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel unfolds through dance.

a midsummer night's dream

March 6–15, 2026 
Colorado Ballet proudly presents two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Originally commissioned by the Ballet in 1997, this celebrated production returns for the first time in a decade, with today’s dancers bringing fresh vitality to Wheeldon’s masterful choreography. Shakespeare’s beloved comedy unfolds to Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic score, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. This revival features sumptuous new sets and costumes by internationally acclaimed designer Robert Perdziola, whose visionary work has graced leading ballet and opera stages around the world.

MASTERWORKS

Sponsored by Denver Ballet Guild
April 10–19, 2026 
This year’s MasterWorks program highlights the transformative power of art—to heal, to revolutionize, and to inspire—through three distinct ballets paired with iconic music. From Bach’s elegance to Stravinsky’s intensity and Rachmaninoff’s romantic depth, audiences will experience an evening of extraordinary music, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and brought to life through dance. The program features George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, and a world premiere by Yoshihisa Arai—each technically demanding and emotionally compelling.

Concerto Barocco, Balanchine’s neoclassical masterpiece, transforms Bach’s Double Violin Concerto into pure movement. Known for its clarity, musicality, and athleticism, this light and uplifting ballet is considered essential Balanchine.

Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, a groundbreaking interpretation of Stravinsky’s revolutionary score, blends classical and contemporary ballet. This visceral work explores sacrifice, renewal, and raw physicality.

Commissioned by Colorado Ballet, Arai’s new ballet S. Rachmaninoff—five years in the making—delves into Rachmaninoff’s journey from despair to triumph, embodying the healing power of art through movement and emotion.