Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Announces Its 2022 – 2023 Season

Artists: Yoshiaka Nakano and Amanda Cochrane

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Susan Jaffe announced an exciting lineup of shows in store for the 2022 – 2023 season at a press conference this morning. From the works of internationally acclaimed choreographers and modern masters to the spine-chilling Dracula, wonderfully romantic The Sleeping Beauty and more, Jaffe carefully selected shows to excite everyone in her  second full season. 

“As I considered this season, I chose fresh, bold and challenging works to excite audiences with the art of ballet,” says Jaffe. “Having a mixture of the master works, the classics, dramatic work and innovation is how we keep the art form moving forward.”

“I believe that offering our audiences extraordinary choreography and good dancing will bring them back to the theater time and again, and this season’s shows offer an exceptional mixture of classical, provocative and innovative performances,” says Jaffe.

Tickets to each performance are available now for PBT subscribers, who enjoy first-choice access to prime seats, 20% savings over single tickets and an array of subscriber exclusives, including free ticket exchanges. Learn more at pbt.org/subscribe. Single tickets go on sale August 31, 2022 and start at $29. Groups of 10+ save up to 50% over regularly priced tickets. For The Nutcracker, discounts start for groups of 8+. Learn more at pbt.org/groups.

PBT’s 2022 – 2023 Season

Storytelling in Motion
October 6 – 9, 2022 | August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Choreography: Nacho Duato, Helen Pickett and Goyo Montero | Music: Mixed repertory

The 22 – 23 season kicks off with a taste of the world in Pittsburgh, highlighting internationally acclaimed choreographers whose work will excite audiences with innovative, thought-provoking and athletic performances. Nacho Duato’s Duende, which means “elf” in Spanish, lives up to its name with sculptural and otherworldly choreography keenly adapted to Debussy’s ethereal score. Helen Pickett’s The Exiled takes a departure from the ballet norms with a dramatic story that examines the complexity of human morality through a combination of ballet and narration. Finally, Goyo Montero’s Alrededor No Hay Nada pushes the boundaries of human physicality with this stirring and poetic piece that showcases the dancers’ athleticism.

The Nutcracker
December 9 – 28, 2022 | Benedum Center
Choreography and Concept: Terrence S. Orr | Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

In this distinctly Pittsburgh production of a holiday classic, PBT’s The Nutcracker follows Marie, her Nutcracker prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey into the Land of Enchantment. Five fanciful scenes, more than 150 unique costumes and Tchaikovsky’s enduring score make The Nutcracker a can’t-miss holiday tradition.

Dracula
February 10 – 12, 2023 | Benedum Center
Choreography: Michael Pink | Music: Philip Feeney

Fall under the spell of one of literature’s most entrancing characters in this theatrical production of Dracula. Michael Pink’s masterful storytelling shines in the choreography as each movement progresses the plot forward in this spine-chilling dance drama. Exquisite costumes, resplendent scenery and a dramatic score will immerse audiences in this edge-of-your-seat gothic tale of bloodlust and suspense that exhilarates novice ballet-goers and aficionados alike. Be sure to reserve your seats quickly — this production is an international success that sells out wherever it goes! Recommended for audiences ages 14 and older.

The Masters Program with the PBT Orchestra
April 14 – 16, 2023 | Benedum Center
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon, Jorma Elo and George Balanchine | Music: Mixed repertory

Marvel at three works from award-winning choreographers who are considered masters of ballet, featuring pure classical dancing at its best with contemporary twists that go where no choreographer has gone before. Polyphonia, which is widely regarded as Tony-award-winning Christopher Wheeldon’s breakthrough contemporary work, showcases modern choreography with an understanding of the past. Dancers move at the speed of light while articulating the body in perfect harmony with music by Jean Sibelius in Jorma Elo’s 1st Flash. Plus, see why George Balanchine is hailed as the father of 20th century dance in Theme and Variations, which features a classic Tchaikovsky score, theme and 12 variations, culminating in a polonaise.

The Sleeping Beauty with the PBT Orchestra
May 19 – 21, 2023 | Benedum Center
Choreography: Ronald Hynd | Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Drama and romance are palpable in this modernized production of the most classical of all full-length ballets. The Sleeping Beauty tells the story of a beautiful princess cursed into an eternal slumber until she is awoken by true love’s kiss. Filled with magnificent sets and costumes, an iconic Tchaikovsky score and incredible ballet technique, this wonderful fairytale is fun for the whole family.