Ballet Arizona, the renowned ballet company in the Valley, is set to captivate and inspire audiences with a mix of classical and contemporary ballets throughout its 2025–2026 season.

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Ballet Arizona unveils spellbinding 2025–2026 season

Celebrating its 39th season, Ballet Arizona will bring treasured fairytales to life and present the U.S. premiere of “Reset,” choreographed by Ballet Arizona’s new Artistic Director, Daniela Cardim.

“We are excited to unveil our 2025–2026 season,” Cardim says. “Each ballet was carefully chosen to highlight the breadth of what the art form can do, from quintessential classics to ballets that push boundaries, there is truly something for every audience member no matter where they are on their ballet journey. We hope you will join us this season for an incredible diversity of programs.”

The Sleeping Beauty

Oct. 23–26, 2025 | Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony
Audiences will step into a world of romance, wonder and grandeur in this retelling of the timeless tale. Featuring a live performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score by The Phoenix Symphony, audiences of all ages will be spellbound by Princess Aurora’s journey from her cursed slumber to her true love’s kiss as love triumphs over evil.

The Nutcracker

Dec. 12–27, 2025 | Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony
Ballet Arizona’s beloved production of “The Nutcracker” returns with its heartwarming performance that captures the spirit of the holidays. Live music from The Phoenix Symphony and Ib Andersen’s dazzling choreography bring the enchantment to life. Named “among the top three in the country” by “The New York Times,” this holiday tradition continues to delight sold-out crowds.

Alice (in Wonderland)

Feb. 12–15, 2026 | Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony
The beloved classic by Lewis Carroll comes to life in this breathtaking production by acclaimed choreographer Septime Webre. Featuring live music, vibrant sets and bold choreography blending ballet with contemporary dance, “Alice (in Wonderland)” delivers a whimsical journey that dazzles audiences of every age.

Cacti & other works

March 19–22, 2026 | Orpheum Theatre
Arizonans can experience three short but dynamic ballets, similar to a collection of short stories:

• “Apollo” | Choreography: George Balanchine | Music: Igor Stravinsky
• “Concertante” | Choreography: Hans van Manen | Music: Frank Martin
• “Cacti” | Choreography: Alexander Ekman | Music: Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert

“Cacti” offers a gleeful, cutting parody of dance itself — complete with invisible prisons, quick wit and yes, actual cacti.

An evening at Desert Botanical Garden

May 13–30, 2026 | Desert Botanical Garden
By popular demand, “An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden” returns as a double-feature event, now showcasing two unforgettable ballets in the iconic outdoor setting.

• “Concerto Six Twenty-Two” | Choreography: Lar Lubovitch | Music: Mozart
  A joyful celebration of dance and music, this piece shines with blissful quartets, duets and solos set to Mozart’s jubilant clarinet concerto.
• “Reset” (U.S. Premiere) | Choreography: Daniela Cardim | Music: Gabriel Prokofiev
  A bold new work from Artistic Director Daniela Cardim, Reset explores themes of modern urban life, human connection and transformation. With an electrifying score and contemporary choreography, this piece offers a powerful close to the season.

Ballet Arizona would like to thank its Opening Night Series sponsor F. Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation.

For more information about Ballet Arizona and its 2025–2026 season, balletaz.org.