Looking Back on Our 2025/2026 Season!
- Cindy Case
- May 4
- 5 min read
That's a wrap on Season 47! After our performances of La Esmeralda and an exciting Arts Integration performance with AACPS students, we at Ballet Theatre of Maryland drew our mainstage season to a close.
It's been an exciting season: after the return of the company- and audience-favorite Giselle in October, this season was all about sharing something new. Our Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch staged her all-new Nutcracker, which infused the familiar holiday story with the sights and scenes of 19th-century Annapolis. In February's Momentum, a record-breaking eight choreographers staged BTM premieres of their works. This April, BTM became only the third U.S. company to stage the classical ballet La Esmeralda. I'm probably a bit biased, but it's been my favorite season yet!
Keep reading for a look back on some of our favorite moments from this season. We are so grateful to everyone who made these productions a part of their year!
Giselle: Reviving a Favorite
Giselle is the epitome of Romantic-era ballet. It begins in an idyllic village setting, with only subtle clues to the tragedy that lies ahead.
Giselle's mother warns her that she must be careful of her weak heart, but Giselle is blinded by the twin flames of youth and first love.
She is welcomed into the vengeful sisterhood of wilis by Myrtha, Moyna, and Zulma, but she can't forget the human love she feels for Albrecht.
She spares his life, and in doing so earns her own eternal peace. Albrecht has another chance to be a good and honest man.
The Nutcracker: A New Annapolitan Treat
Family has always been a theme of The Nutcracker, but Nicole Kelsch's new production centers these themes of heritage and legacy. In this production, Clara's Christmas present is a family heirloom.
Audiences marveled at our four-legged guest stars, with the one seen here in the arms of one of our Fritzs. The new Party scene is alive with beautiful costumes, intricate sets, and exciting surprises!
Setting the production in Annapolis included staging the Battle scene during the War of 1812. Here, students, trainees, and BTM dancers wear historically inspired costumes with the Nutcracker's battleship in the background.
When Clara arrives in the Kingdom of Confections, adorable young crabs and oysters stand on the shore to greet her. Above, you'll notice that this traditional-looking angel costume includes wings shaped like crab claws.
The theme of family continues in the second act of the show. In her dream, Clara meets her grandmother as a young and beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. She and Clara's grandfather, the Nutcracker, dance the Grand Pas de Deux for her.
Momentum: Covering New Ground
Momentum is always an exciting time in the BTM studios, but especially this season! All eight choreographers were current BTM company dancers, and it was a pleasure getting to choreograph and be choreographed on.
Audiences may remember seeing works by some of the choreographers before: Karissa Kralik, Michael West Jr, Hannah Hanson, Karen Fleming, and I all returned as choreographers this Momentum.
Diego Sosa, Mimi Hardin, and Ellie Goods all staged mainstage works for BTM for the first time. This made being involved in their rehearsal processes especially meaningful for their cast members and understudies.
La Esmeralda: A Company Premiere
When we found out the ballets on the program for this season, La Esmeralda was the biggest surprise. Other than one variation that is popular at ballet competitions (and which isn't actually part of the traditional production), Esmeralda is a rarely performed ballet. After rehearsals started, we quickly discovered how much we enjoyed it.
The story is familiar to those who enjoy Victor Hugo's original novel or any of its stage and film adaptations. When the vivacious street performer Esmeralda catches the eye of the wicked Archdeacon Claude Frollo, she finds herself on a path through tragedy, drama, and--ultimately--love and redemption.
The complex characters and detailed narrative gave us an opportunity to stretch our skills as storytellers. This extends beyond the lead dancers--accurately evoking an emotion onstage requires buy-in from every dancer in the ensemble.
Whether the company was laughing at Pierre for not knowing the Court of Miracles' customs, expressing disbelief at Fleur de Lys's broken engagement, or celebrating Esmeralda's reunion with Phoebus, we found we were most effective when we connected with one another and went through the events together.
It was a special way to round out the season, and one we were happy to share with our audience members!
Honoring Jenna Fritts
As we finished the weekend of performances for Esmeralda, Nicole took a moment onstage to honor Demi-Soloist Jenna Fritts as she took her final bow with BTM.
Jenna joined BTM as an apprentice in 2022 and has served as the company's Office Manager for the past two seasons. Her presence on stage and in the studio will be sorely missed, but we are excited for everything her future holds.
Congratulations, Jenna!
What's Next?
The company is taking the summer off from mainstage performances, but there are plenty of opportunities to see us out in the community! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on what we're up to this summer.
Ready for next season? Subscriptions for our 2026-2027 season are on sale now! Take this moment to reserve your seats for another exciting season of favorite works and new adventures.
Next season, BTM will premiere La Sylphide in October, return to our new production of The Nutcracker in December, champion new works in Momentum: A Mixed Bill, and present a brand-new production of Coppélia. We hope to see you there!
