Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Unveils 2021-22 season

The beautiful classic, ‘Swan Lake,’ is among the new season offerings for Pittsburgh Ballet. Pictured are Lucius Kirst (l.) and Hannah Carter (photo: Duane Rieder)

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre recently released its 2021-22 new season lineup. The season kicks off October 22 – 24 with a mixed repertory of choreography and music featuring contemporary and classic themes in ballet. The program includes Helen Pickett’s vivacious “Petal” and a world premiere work by Jennifer Archibald along with Balanchine’s glittering “Diamonds.”

Next on the schedule is the the perennial holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, with choreography by former PBT Artistic Director, Terrence Orr, and music by P.I. Tchaikovsky. The production features a Pittsburgh mansion setting and runs December 10 – 29.

Another great story is that of Alice in Wonderland, onstage February 11 – 13, 2022 at the Benedum. Choreography is by the contemporary British dance artist Derek Deane, set to music by Tchaikovsky and additional music by Carl Davis.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ is also on the new season slate. What fun! (l. to r., Amanda Cochrane, William Moore, and Cooper Verona. (photo: Duane Reider)

PBT then presents another contemporary, mixed-repertory production with Here + Now at the August Wilson African American Center March 24 – 27, 2022. Pieces by cutting-edge figures in dance include the world premieres of “SKIN + saltwater,” created by local choreographer and PBT Artist in Residence Staycee R. Pearl, and a new work by Aszure Barton, an internationally acclaimed choreographer who is seen as an innovator of form. Also featured are the new trio by award-winning choreographer Helen Pickett, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa’s deep “La Pluie,” and Gemma Bond’s lively “Depuis le Jour.”

Swan Lake is a favorite ballet classic and it runs May 6 – 15, 2022 at Benedum Center. The ballet is danced to original choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, with Tchaikovsky’s music. It is staged by PBT’s new Artistic Director Susan Jaffe. The story features the beautiful Odette, who is cursed to live as a swan, but meeting the prince could break the spell.

In addition to the talented dancers and production team, another highlight of most PBT productions is the PBT Orchestra, composed of many talented musicians. For tickets and more information visit the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre website.

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central.