Atlanta Ballet has unveiled its 2025|2026 performance season at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, a season that marks Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin’s 10th year with the company. This upcoming season is poised to offer a compelling mix of performances, including the east coast premiere of Frida, a vibrant tribute to the influential artist Frida Kahlo, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
The season opener, featuring works by acclaimed choreographers George Balanchine and Justin Peck, is set for September 12-14, 2025. Audiences can expect a rich display of iconic ballet pieces, including Balanchine’s Prodigal Son and Emeralds, alongside Peck’s inquiry into modernity with In Creases, creating an exciting triple bill that showcases the talents of Atlanta Ballet’s dancers.
Prodigal Son, accompanied by the music of Sergei Prokofiev, is a poignant exploration of themes including redemption and human struggle, while Emeralds captivates with its romantic choreography set to Gabriel Fauré’s score. Balanchine, inspired by his friendship with Claude Arpels, crafted Emeralds around the idea of elegance and grace among dancers, leading to an unforgettable visual experience.
In Creases highlights Peck’s signature style, utilizing geometric shapes and ethereal movements, set to Philip Glass’s rhythmic composition, Four Movements for Two Pianos. This unique juxtaposition of historical and contemporary works marks an ambitious start to the season and promises to engage and inspire audiences.
As the holiday season approaches, the Atlanta Ballet presents its beloved production of The Nutcracker, running from December 6-27. This hallmark performance is synonymous with the festive spirit of Atlanta. Under Nedvigin’s direction, the production has garnered acclaim for its inventive staging by Yuri Possokhov, rich costume designs, and cutting-edge visual projections, ensuring a magical experience for all ages.
The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, enhancing the enchanting story that unfolds on stage. With 20 mainstage performances, this rendition is heralded as the most technically advanced version of The Nutcracker in the Southeast, inviting audiences into a whimsical holiday narrative filled with surprises and nostalgia.
Additionally, Atlanta Ballet extends its outreach with an abridged version of The Nutcracker specifically designed for children, comprising four Kids In Step shows on December 9, 10, 11, and 16, ensuring that thousands of young audiences continue to connect with the joys of ballet.
In February, the timeless classic Giselle will return to the stage from February 13-15, 2026. This beloved romantic ballet, known for its tragic story and ethereal choreography, tells the tale of Giselle, a village girl betrayed by her love. Nedvigin has masterfully staged this production, which features the hauntingly beautiful score of Adolphe Adam, cementing Giselle’s status as one of the great treasures of the ballet repertoire.
Following its last performance in 2022, this revival invites both longtime fans and new attendees to experience the artistry and emotion that define this classic tale of love, heartbreak, and redemption.
March 28-29, 2026, will see the family-friendly ballet Snow White, performed by Atlanta Ballet 2. This one-hour adaptation, complete with an intermission, tells the familiar fairy tale through engaging narration suitable for young audiences. Choreographed by Bruce Wells, Snow White presents a delightful experience for families, featuring the young princess and her prince as they navigate the plots of the Evil Queen.
The spring season will culminate from April 3-5, 2026, with a Mixed Repertory weekend that includes the debut of Christopher Wheeldon’s Within The Golden Hour alongside a range of other short works. This vibrant program promises to captivate the audience with a world premiere by Yuri Possokhov and other notable pieces, expanding the contemporary ballet experience.
Wheeldon’s Within The Golden Hour is characterized by its fluid movement and striking visual patterns. It celebrates the beauty of life through dynamic choreography set to the scores of Ezio Bosso and Antonio Vivaldi, promising a thrilling and colorful showcase.
Completing the season will be the premiere of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Frida, presented May 8-10, 2026. This full-length ballet explores the life of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo through her dynamic artwork and passionate story. Lopez Ochoa’s choreography is expected to evoke the vibrant and emotional depth of Kahlo’s life, with music by Peter Salem performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.
With exciting new works and cherished classics on the docket, the 2025-2026 season is set to enrich Atlanta’s cultural landscape. Nedvigin emphasizes the importance of performing a variety of pieces that not only showcase the artistic talents of the dancers but also connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Subscriptions and tickets for Atlanta Ballet’s upcoming season are now available on their website, www.atlantaballet.com, or by calling the box office at 404-892-3303 for more information. The Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to delivering exceptional performances throughout the seasons, inviting locations from near and far to witness the beauty of dance.
Over the years, Atlanta Ballet has consistently pushed the boundaries of ballet as an art form, while remaining dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers and expanding accessibility to diverse audiences in the community.
image source from：cobbcountycourier
