Ballet has a long and distinguished history in Hartford, and today, Ballet Hartford is helping write the next chapter.
Founded in 2016, Ballet Hartford is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a 2026-27 season that reflects how far the company has come and where it hopes to go next. From celebratory performances, special masterclasses, and new educational programs the anniversary season is designed celebrate a milestone and build momentum for the future.
“Ballet Hartford’s 2026-2027 season is one of celebration,” says Artistic Director Claire Kretzschmar. “Through rich and diverse programming, we are celebrating Ballet Hartford’s 10 years of unique excellence and steady growth. Audiences can look forward to the family-friendly Peter and the Wolf, the return of the holiday favorite A Ceremony of Carols, The Nutcracker, Valentine’s Day: New Works and the official premiere of the Baroque ballet Ode for St. Cecilia. Our upcoming season also includes performances in New York City and Philadelphia, giving our company the opportunity to introduce our dancers and artistic vision to new audiences.”
For Ballet Hartford, however, the anniversary is about more than performances. “We believe support and awareness for the arts is more important than ever," says Hannah Kruse, the company's manager. In a world where seemingly everything is virtual, we want to emphasize the need for live art. It’s healing, engaging, inspiring and fun! Dance brings humanity to the stage. There is real emotion and a tangible energy that we want our audience to experience."
To celebrate, the company will welcome 10 master teachers this season. The classes will be open to intermediate and advanced dancers in the community, providing learning opportunities from accomplished teachers while bringing dancers together through their shared love of ballet.
The company is also launching Ballet Society, a new membership program created for ballet enthusiasts who want to explore the art form more deeply. Members will have access to lectures and receptions as well as in-studio rehearsal viewings, offering an insider’s perspective on the work that goes into bringing a ballet from the studio to the stage.
Community engagement and educational programming remain an important part of Ballet Hartford’s mission. Through a partnership with Hartford Performs, the company will present “Peter and the Wolf” for Hartford Public School students, introducing young audiences to ballet through a classic story.
Additionally, the School of Ballet Hartford enters its seventh year and remains committed to sharing joy and excellence in the classroom. Executive Director and School of Ballet Hartford Director, Leyna Doran says, “Each season has brought phenomenal growth from the development of our programs to the individual advancement of our students. From our exuberant three-year-olds to our faithful adult dancers, each class rings true with the joyful ethos and hard work representative of Ballet Hartford.”
Ten years after its founding, Ballet Hartford has established itself as an increasingly important part of the region’s cultural landscape. Its anniversary season celebrates that accomplishment while emphasizing what comes next: more performances, more education, more community connections and opportunities to bring professional ballet to audiences both near and far.
As Kretzschmar says, the company hopes its exceptional dancers and performances will continue to “draw people in and inspire,” carrying Ballet Hartford’s legacy into its next decade.
For tickets or information visit ballethartford.com/season.
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