EXPERIENCE MOTION THAT MOVES YOU!

The 26|27 Season celebrates the power of dance to connect, inspire, and transform audiences and communities. From beloved stories to bold premieres, the season brings masterworks and new voices to Arkansas stages while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement with patrons of all ages and backgrounds. Join us for a dynamic season of artistry, energy, and unforgettable moments that speak to every Arkansan.

THE GREAT GATSBY

A WORLD PREMIERE OF GLAMOUR, OBSESSION, AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

Additional Program Details Coming Soon!

October 23-25, 2026

Friday, October 23 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, October 24 @ 2:00 & 7:00 pm

Sunday, October 25 @ 2:00 pm

To launch the 26|27 Season, Ballet Arkansas unveils a breathtaking World Premiere production that reimagines one of literature’s most iconic stories with sweeping scale, cinematic power, and contemporary artistry. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel, The Great Gatsby, this bold new vision transforms the stage through immersive visual art integration, evocative musical enhancements, and striking contemporary nuance—creating an unforgettable ballet experience designed to captivate audiences across generations. Step into the dazzling world of the Jazz Age, where champagne flows, secrets shimmer beneath the surface, and the enigmatic Jay Gatsby relentlessly pursues the illusion of a perfect past and the love of Daisy Buchanan. Beneath the glamour and decadence lies a haunting portrait of ambition, obsession, and the fragile nature of the American Dream. Lavish, emotionally charged, and visually mesmerizing, The Great Gatsby draws audiences into a world where every celebration hides a deeper longing—and where the pursuit of the unattainable can ultimately lead to dangerous outcomes. Includes a K-12 Student Matinee.

THE NUTCRACKER SPECTACULAR WITH THE ASO

ARKANSAS’ LARGEST HOLIDAY PRODUCTION

Supported by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Robinson Center | December 11-13, 2026

Friday, December 11 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 12 @ 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 13 @ 2:30 pm

A beloved Arkansas holiday tradition returns in spectacular fashion as Ballet Arkansas presents The Nutcracker Spectacular with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra—Arkansas’ largest and longest-running holiday production. Reimagined for 2026 with newly refreshed first act choreography and exquisite costume enhancements, this dazzling production brings renewed energy, elegance, and wonder to Clara’s unforgettable journey. Accompanied by the live, soaring music of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, audiences will be swept into a breathtaking world of holiday enchantment filled with lavish sets, vibrant storytelling, and magical spectacle. From the warmth and sparkle of the Christmas Eve celebration to the shimmering fantasy of the Land of the Sweets, The Nutcracker Spectacular captures the joy, imagination, and nostalgia of the season for audiences of all ages. Featuring Ballet Arkansas artists alongside a dynamic community cast, this cherished production remains a heartwarming celebration of tradition, artistry, and holiday magic. Be sure to visit the Nutcracker Boutique and take a piece of the magic home with you. *Features a Community Cast of performers. Includes a K-12 Student Matinee.

All public performances feature live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Evening performances feature specialty themed libations for sale, courtesy of Doubletree of Little Rock. For all ticket inquiries, please contact Robinson Center Box Office at 501-244-8800 or visit the Box Office inside Robinson Center at 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201.

LAND OF THE SWEETS NUTCRACKER TEA

Robinson Center | December 12–13, 2026

Saturday, December 12 @ 11:30 am
Sunday, December 13 @ 11:30 am

Step into a world of holiday enchantment at the Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea, one of Little Rock’s most beloved and anticipated seasonal traditions. Inspired by the magical kingdom from The Nutcracker Spectacular, this immersive holiday experience invites guests of all ages to enjoy an elegant teatime filled with festive treats, interactive activities, storybook readings, and unforgettable appearances by Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and beloved characters from the production. Designed to spark wonder and imagination, the Nutcracker Tea offers families a rare opportunity to experience the magic of the ballet up close in an intimate and whimsical setting. Overflowing with holiday charm, music, and memories waiting to be made, this treasured event is the perfect way to celebrate the season. All patrons must have a ticket to attend.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

MAJESTY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Supported by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Robinson Center | February 19-21, 2027

Friday, February 19 @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, February 20 @ 2:30 & 7:30 pm

Sunday, February 21 @ 2:30 pm

Step into a breathtaking world where magic, wonder, and the power of true love come to life in The Sleeping Beauty—one of classical ballet’s most cherished masterpieces and an unforgettable celebration for the entire family. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, this dazzling new production transports audiences into a kingdom of unforgettable characters through exquisite choreography, lavish design, and theatrical artistry. Follow the journey of Princess Aurora from her joyful christening to the dark curse cast by the mysterious Carabosse, culminating in the triumph of love’s awakening kiss. Filled with sweeping romance, timeless storytelling, and some of the most iconic moments in classical ballet, The Sleeping Beauty is a visually spectacular experience that captures the imagination, delights audiences of all ages, and reminds us all of the enduring magic of happily ever after. *Features a Community Cast of performers. Includes a K-12 Student Matinee.

RE:MIX

A COLLISION OF TRADITION AND MODERN EDGE

Additional Program Details Coming Soon!

April 15-16, 2027 | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Thursday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Friday, April 16 @ 7:00 pm

Ballet Arkansas invites audiences into RE:MIX—an immersive performance experience that redefines contemporary ballet through boundary-pushing choreography, electrifying live music, and transformative visual design. This bold mixed repertory program pairs striking contemporary interpretations of iconic neoclassical works with dynamic world premieres by celebrated dancemakers, creating an evening that is both visceral and visually arresting. Performed in collaboration with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and infused with electronic music, RE:MIX delivers a pulse-driven soundscape that amplifies the raw physicality and emotional intensity of Dance as an artform.

DON QUIXOTE

A LA MANCHA LOVE STORY

April 17-18, 2027 | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Saturday, April 17 @ 2:00 & 7:00 pm

Sunday, April 18 @ 2:00 pm

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ legendary masterpiece and beloved by audiences around the world, Don Quixote bursts onto the stage in a thrilling Ballet Arkansas Premiere filled with bravura dancing, comedy, romance, and larger-than-life storytelling. Perfect for the entire family, this spirited production celebrates the adventurous heart of the dreamer who dares to chase the impossible, following the eccentric Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza on a wildly imaginative journey through a world of windmills, mistaken identities, fiery romance, and theatrical spectacle. Overflowing with energy, humor, and dramatic flair, fans of Man of La Mancha and lovers of great literary classics alike will be swept away by this joyful celebration of courage, imagination, and the enduring belief that life is always more magical when we dare to dream. *Features a Community Cast of performers. Includes a K-12 Student Matinee.

SPOTLIGHT

GO BEYOND THE STAGE AND INTO THE HEART OF BALLET ARKANSAS

Additional Program Details Coming Soon!

Premiering for the 26|27 Season, SPOTLIGHT is a dynamic event series designed to bring audiences closer than ever to the artistry, people, and creative energy that power Ballet Arkansas. Through an evolving lineup of artistic talks, in-studio experiences, community panel discussions, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, choreography showcases, special events, and collaborative gatherings, SPOTLIGHT invites patrons directly into Ballet Arkansas’ creative spaces for meaningful connection and discovery.

SPOTLIGHT is an immersive gateway into the world of Ballet Arkansas—offering rare access to the organization’s world-class artists, creative process, and the impactful programming and partnerships that shape communities across the state. Designed to inspire conversation, curiosity, and engagement, each event shines a light on the transformative role the arts play in education, culture, wellness, and community building. With new experiences being added throughout the season, SPOTLIGHT is a vibrant and ever-evolving celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the people who make Ballet Arkansas an essential force in the cultural life of Arkansas.