Announcing our 2026-2027 Season!

Our performances of La Esmeralda may be right around the corner, but Ballet Theatre of Maryland is already looking ahead to what's next. This month, we are excited to share the four ballets that will shape our 48th season.

Join us at Maryland Hall this coming season to enjoy the company premiere of La Sylphide, the return of our Annapolis-based production of The Nutcracker, audience-favorite Momentum: A Mixed Bill, and a brand-new production of Coppélia. Read on to learn more!

La Sylphide

*Company premiere

Be transported to the rugged hills and misty skies of the Scottish Highlands in this quintessential ballet from August Bournonville. La Sylphide follows James, a young Scotsman who is soon to be married. The morning of his wedding, an ethereal sylph (a type of woodland fairy or spirit) perches beside James's chair and wakes him with a kiss.

James is captivated by the beautiful sylph, leading him to abandon his own wedding day to follow her into the forest. Though the sylph is pleased to see him, she is so airy that she slips right through his fingers. A witch promises that she can make the sylph his own, but James fears what her true intentions might be. Featuring spirited Highland dancing, wicked witches, and diaphanous sylphs, La Sylphide is not to be missed.

Did you know?

La Sylphide is one of the oldest surviving story ballets. Its ballet blanc scene, showcasing an entire corps de ballet of sylphs in gossamer white costumes, paved the way for future works like Giselle and Swan Lake.

The Nutcracker

Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch's fresh take on a classic returns this holiday season. Transporting Clara and the Nutcracker to 19th-century Annapolis, Ballet Theatre of Maryland's production is filled with Annapolitan charm. From the exciting naval battle that echoes the War of 1812 to the delicate crabs and oysters that welcome Clara into the Kingdom of Confections, these touches, both large and small, create a production that is locally resonant and perfect for the whole family

Did you know?

Last year's production of The Nutcracker featured special guest stars: dogs from the local Senior Dog Sanctuary. Each show, Clara's grandmother entered the holiday party accompanied by an adoptable senior dog.

Momentum: A Mixed Bill

Explore the next frontier in dance in Momentum: A Mixed Bill. Each season, we foster new works from emerging creators while also leaving room for established choreographers to experiment. The result is bold, dynamic, and passionate.

Momentum demonstrates the company's talents in new and unexpected ways as our dancers paint the stage with classical and contemporary movement. As choreographers tackle a broad spectrum of themes, you’ll find joy, love, anguish, and hope all reflected onstage.

Did you know?

Since the first year of Momentum in 2021, Ballet Theatre of Maryland has commissioned works by 17 different choreographers! Whether from within the company or a visiting guest, each of these choreographers has brought something unique to the Maryland Hall stage.

Coppélia

Last performed by BTM in 2022, Coppélia is a charming, comic ballet about love, mistaken identity, and clockwork dolls. The village toy maker, Dr. Coppélius, has created a life-size doll so true-to-life that villagers mistake her for a real girl. When Swanhilda sneaks into his workshop to see why her boyfriend, Franz, is so taken with the girl, she discovers the truth.

Unfortunately, Dr. Coppélius returns too quickly for Swanhilda to run away. She dons the doll's clothing and pretends to be his doll come to life, leading to his surprise and the audience's amusement. This production will feature all-new staging by Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch.

Did you know?

Like The Nutcracker, Coppélia is based on a short story by E.T.A. Hoffman! "Der Sandmann" (1816) features a young man enraptured by an automaton, much like in Coppélia.

---

We're excited for the season to come! In the meantime, join us for our Season Fundraiser Bubbles and Blooms on April 12! Set in the beautiful gardens of the historic William Paca House, this event will include a brunch provided by Crave Catering, bubbly mimosas, an espresso cart, a silent auction, and more!

After that, join us for our production of La Esmeralda at Maryland Hall on April 24 & 25! This uplifting take on The Hunchback of Notre Dame features compelling characters, a dramatic story, and plenty of joyful dancing. Tickets are available now!

If you're intrigued by our upcoming productions, sign up for our emails to stay in the know.

Promotional photos by Joanne Salyer