As the curtains rise on a new season, Ballet Tucson invites audiences to experience dance in ways both familiar and surprising. Artistic Director Margaret Mullin sees ballet not as a museum piece, but as a living art form — one that belongs to the community it serves. “It can be exciting, it can be fresh, and it can surprise you,” she says.
This year’s lineup reflects that philosophy, blending tradition with invention under the company’s new tagline, Be Moved. From timeless holiday magic to world premieres, Mullin hopes Tucson audiences will not just watch ballet, but feel it deeply.
Magic in the Moonlight
October 31-November 2, 2025
To kick off the season, Ballet Tucson invites audiences to Magic in the Moonlight, a program that blends classical elegance with contemporary storytelling. The mixed-repertory lineup features the Ballet Tucson premiere of Paul Gibson’s Sense of Doubt, a visually striking neo-classical piece full of vigor and athleticism that highlights the dancers’ precision and grace. Audiences will also be transported into an iconic story of mystery and romance with Chieko Imada’s Phantom of the Opera, complete with the signature falling chandelier, a haunting boat ride, and a Degas Ballerina classroom scene featuring students from The School of Ballet Tucson. Adding lyrical contrast, Margaret Mullin’s Clair de Lune Pas de Deux offers a serene and romantic duet, and the evening concludes with the dramatic Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, featuring the ballerina’s remarkable thirty-two fouetté turns.
For Mullin, this program exemplifies the balance of tradition and innovation she hopes audiences will experience. “People think they know ballet, but when they encounter something unexpected, that’s when it really resonates,” she says. With Magic in the Moonlight, viewers can expect technical brilliance, dramatic storytelling, and moments that will surprise, delight, and move them — all in one evening.
Opening night audience members can join Mullin and the cast of dancers for a special post-performance Halloween celebration in the Temple of Music and Art courtyard.
The Nutcracker
December 19-21, 2025
No December in Tucson feels complete without The Nutcracker. Presented in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the production offers a uniquely local experience with live music and dance performed by two of the city’s cultural treasures. “Ours is Tucson’s holiday production — it’s your local symphony and your local ballet coming together.”
That emphasis on celebrating what’s local makes the performance special, Mullin explains. “Local doesn’t mean less than. We have a strong symphony, a strong ballet, and an excellent production. Supporting that keeps world-class art thriving here in Tucson.”
The festivities also include the cherished Sugar Plum Tea, the company’s annual holiday kickoff on November 23rd, which adds a touch of sweetness to the season.
Desert Voices
February 27-March 1, 2026
In the spring, Ballet Tucson presents Desert Voices, a program rooted in the landscapes, stories, and spirit of the Southwest. The performance features Kiyon Ross’s Un-A’frayed Edges, a dynamic and sassy contemporary ballet showcasing the dancers’ athleticism and energy, alongside Margaret Mullin’s world premiere Desert Dweller, a piece inspired by the natural beauty of Tucson and the Tohono Chul Gardens, set to original live music by Tucson Flamenco guitarist Misael Barraza-Diaz in partnership with the Tucson Guitar Society. Ross’s work is “full of life,” Mullin notes, “and you have such fun watching the dancers move.” Meanwhile, Desert Dweller is more earth-grounded, reflecting the colors, textures, and strength of the desert, with projections of imagery of the Tohono Chul Gardens by local photographer Carlos Chavez, enhancing the immersive experience.
Audiences will also experience the highly anticipated return of Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer Chieko Imada’s Himiko, in partnership with the Tucson Desert Song Festival and Tucson Guitar Society. Based on a Japanese legend, Himiko uniquely blends ballet with traditional Japanese dance and powerful storytelling, set to live music performed by celebrated musicians Duo Chinoiserie and Soprano Erika Burkhart.
For Mullin, this program is about connecting dance to community. “We wanted to make a program that really belongs to Tucson,” she says. “There’s a power in combining live music with dance, and I think it’s going to feel deeply connected to this place, where artistic collaboration thrives.” By pairing contemporary works with live music and site-inspired visuals, Desert Voices highlights local and international artistry while inviting audiences to experience ballet as both familiar and distinctly tied to Tucson’s unique environment.
Ballet in Bloom
April 17-19, 2026
Ballet Tucson closes the season with a program that feels like a bouquet — rich, refined, and full of personality. George Balanchine’s La Source, often described as having the sparkle of “pink champagne,” showcases both dazzling ensemble passages and exquisite pas de deux. Adding a contemporary flair, the company introduces its first work by acclaimed choreographer Matthew Neenan with Bacchus, a spirited piece originally premiered by Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2019, when Artistic Director Margaret Mullin was part of the cast. Set to the lively rhythms of Oliver Davis, Bacchus brims with playfulness and energy, echoing the spirit of the Roman god of wine. The program culminates with the Ballet Tucson premiere of Ron Cunningham’s celebrated Bolero. Known for its boldness and intensity, this striking ballet, set to Maurice Ravel’s iconic score, has long captivated Sacramento Ballet audiences and now promises to deliver a powerful, exhilarating finale for Tucson’s 2025/2026 Season. “We want to show that ballet is continuing to evolve,” she says. “It’s about honoring tradition while planting seeds for what comes next — giving our dancers and our audience something unexpected, exciting, and deeply moving.”
Beyond the Stage
In addition to the performances themselves, Ballet Tucson is rolling out fresh initiatives to welcome more people into the fold. New Beer & Ballet nights invite patrons 21-45 years of age to enjoy an evening of dance and social connection, with discounted tickets and $5 beers. Season subscribers can enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to studio rehearsals, watching as dancers and choreographers work to prepare for upcoming performances, adding depth to the theater experience.
These efforts are all part of Mullin’s broader goal: to open ballet’s doors wider. “I want people to know they belong here,” she says. “You don’t need to know anything about ballet to be inspired and uplifted by it.”
Be Moved
That phrase — Be Moved — is more than just a tagline. It’s a promise, a hope, and an invitation. Whether through the nostalgia of The Nutcracker, the wonder of Magic in the Moonlight, the rootedness of Desert Voices, or the renewal of Ballet in Bloom, Ballet Tucson’s season is designed to stir something in everyone.
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are now available through Ballet Tucson, offering the best seats and exclusive perks for those ready to experience the city’s resident ballet company. As Mullin says, “This is your ballet and your city. Come and be moved."
A season subscription opens the doors to a plethora of opportunities to further engage with Ballet Tucson. To learn more about becoming a season subscriber, visit ballettucson.org/season-subscription/.
“People think they know ballet, but when they encounter something unexpected, that’s when it really resonates."
“I want people to know they belong here. You don’t need to know anything about ballet to be inspired and uplifted by it.”