As the company prepares for our performances of Swan Lake on April 25 & 26, we are also thrilled to share our plans for the coming year! Join us at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts next season for performances of Giselle, an all-new production of The Nutcracker, Momentum: A Mixed Bill, and La Esmeralda.
Giselle
October 2025
Last performed by the company in 2021, Giselle kicks off BTM's season in October 2025. This haunting production follows the story of a virtuous peasant girl who has fallen in love with Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise. His love for her seems pure, but Giselle's heart fails her when she learns that he is betrothed to someone else.
This inducts Giselle into a sisterhood of vengeful spirits, known as wilis, who have all died of broken hearts. The wilis' leader, Myrtha, awakens Giselle's spirit from its remote grave. When men wander too near to the wilis' corner of the dark forest, Myrtha and the other wilis capture them and force them to dance to their deaths.
Unaware of the danger, a grieving Albrecht visits Giselle's grave that night. Giselle defies the other wilis, protecting Albrecht from their revenge until the sound of churchbells at dawn sends the wilis back to their graves. This classic story of love and forgiveness is not to be missed.
The Nutcracker
December 2025
*World-premiering production
From its founding in 1649, Annapolis has been a central part of Maryland's cultural identity for centuries. Ballet Theatre of Maryland is thrilled to announce that it will draw upon familiar Annapolitan landmarks and events to bring the city its very own Nutcracker in December 2025.
Imagine Uncle Drosselmeier's gift of a Nutcracker doll as a family heirloom that dates back to the War of 1812. When the Nutcracker comes to life in Clara's dreams, she finds herself in the Annapolis Harbor for an exciting naval battle between the Nutcracker and Rat King. Other familiar images are ahead: as the Nutcracker shows Clara the Kingdom of the Snowflakes, the historic William Paca House is beautifully recreated inside a snow globe. Their journey brings them to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where all of Clara's favorite treats from 1850s Main Street come to life.
With all-new sets and costumes as well as fresh choreography by Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch, this Nutcracker will be a holiday treat for all ages to enjoy!
Momentum: A Mixed Bill
February 2026
This sampler of classical and contemporary movement features world-premiering works by guest choreographers and BTM company members. In Momentum, we foster new works from emerging choreographers while giving established creators the space to experiment. The result is bold, dynamic, and often ground-breaking.
The February 2026 production of Momentum will include shorter-form works showcasing a range of musical and choreographic styles.
La Esmeralda
April 2026
*Company premiere
The season ends with La Esmeralda in April 2026. Based on Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the ballet focuses on the exploits of the vivacious street dancer Esmeralda. Beloved by those she meets for her kindness and compassion, Esmeralda inadvertently catches the eye of Archdeacon Claude Frollo. The wicked archdeacon sends his deformed henchman, Quasimodo, to capture Esmeralda, but the brave Captain Phoebus saves her. Before he can punish Quasimodo, Esmeralda insists that Phoebus release the misunderstood henchman.
These events launch a story of love and adventure. Taking inspiration from an 1836 opera libretto in which Victor Hugo exchanged the tragic conclusion of his novel for a happier ending, La Esmeralda features familiar characters and joyful, high-energy dancing. This production will mark the first time La Esmeralda has been performed professionally in Maryland.
We can't wait to share everything that our 2025-2026 season has in store. To ensure that you never miss a performance, join our mailing list to be notified when our season subscriptions go on sale. We hope to see you at the ballet!
Promotional photos by Joanne Salyer
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