BALLET ARIEL ANNOUNCES ITS
2026/2027 FALL & HOLIDAY SEASON
Celebrating 28 years, Colorado’s own Ballet Ariel announces the Fall and holiday productions for its 2026-2027 season. Each brings charm, beauty, emotion and community to the stage with original productions of Little Women for Fall and The Nutcracker for the holidays.
FALL SHOW: Little Women
Description: Based on the 1869 semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age book by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the four March sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg and their neighbor Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, from childhood to adulthood. Just as Little Women is divided into two books, Ballet Ariel’s production is divided into two acts with select vignettes from the stories. The first is inspired by the four sisters growing up, facing childhood challenges and choices as their mother, Marmee, runs the household and raises the girls while their father serves as a Civil War chaplain. The second act is about their romances and choices in marriage. Laurie falls in love with Jo, while his tutor, John Brooke, falls in love with Meg. Jo refuses Laurie’s proposal and he later marries Amy and builds a happy life with her. Throughout, the sisters navigate the joys and trials of life to find their place in the world.
In this original production created by Artistic and Executive Director Ilena Norton, both costumes and choreography illustrate the character of each sister with solos and group dances based on select chapters from the book. Chemistry and connection between the characters is felt throughout. Creative scenic design supports the storytelling.
The music that accompanies Little Women includes a score that is a blend of traditional holiday music such as “Away in a Manger” and “I Saw Three Ships” with classical pieces including several by Grieg from his “Lyric Pieces,” plus music by French and American composers.
Location: The newly-opened Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, Center for the Healing Arts, 2025 N. Washington St., Denver, Colorado 80205.
Dates: Sunday, November 8, 2pm.
Tickets: $36.50 adult, $31.50 student/senior, $26.50 child (includes $1.50 ticket fee).
HOLIDAY SHOW: The Nutcracker (Performed at two locations)
Description: For its 28th season as a professional dance company, Ballet Ariel brings a fresh and imaginative vision to the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Audiences will enjoy cherished favorites such as the “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” alongside original and creative choreography, beautiful costumes and sets, and imaginative storytelling—all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
This special production of The Nutcracker invites audiences of all ages to immerse in the wonder and magic of the season as Clara embarks on enchanting adventures with her Nutcracker Prince. Enjoy refreshing and charming scenes including a sparkling holiday tea party, a western-themed battle and visit from Father Christmas at the Sugar Plum Fairy Castle.
Location: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 80226.
Dates: Friday, December 11, 6:30pm; Saturday, December 12, 2pm and 6:30pm; Sunday, December 13, 2pm.
Tickets: $44-$68 (includes $6 ticket fee)
--AND--
Location: Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 1 E. Memorial Pkwy. Northglenn, 80233.
Dates: Saturday, January 2, 2pm; Sunday, January 3, 2pm.
Tickets: $36.50-$56.50 (includes $1.50 ticket fee).
SPRING SHOW: To be announced.For information on purchasing tickets, please visit the Ballet Ariel website at balletariel.orgor call 303-945-4388.
ABOUT BALLET ARIEL
Ballet Ariel was founded in 1998 by Artistic and Executive Director Ilena Norton. The organization, which celebrated its 25th year in 2023, has evolved into a laboratory for developing original classical ballets, a collaborative environment where the beauty of classical ballet comes together with narrative storytelling and a contemporary vision. This professional company is known for its graceful and elegant, yet dynamic, choreography and staging.
Located in Denver at the Denver Dance Center, 2496 W. 2nd Ave., #3 in Denver, the company employs ten professional dancers under Ballet Master Patricia Renzetti. Ballet Ariel’s repertoire features original ballets such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (which also toured Fall of 2025); Rikki-Tikki-Tavi; and Little Women along with classical works including Konservatoriet, La Fille Mal Gardee, and “Aurora’s Wedding” from Sleeping Beauty.
Ballet Ariel receives funding from Denver, Jefferson, Adams, and Douglas Counties through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Colorado Creative Industries, and Denver Ballet Guild. Ballet Ariel is also the main sponsor of the DenverArtScene3.org website.
For more information, visit www.balletariel.org or call (303) 945-4388.