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PRESS RELEASES

IN THE NEWS

PRESS RELEASES | SEASON 49 2026-2027

Ballet Rhode Island to Open Season 49 With World Premiere Based On True Holocaust Survivor Story of Anka Nachtigal, mother of Rhode Island Resident Lilliane Birch

Created in partnership with the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, the new work will feature choreography by Ballet Rhode Island Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer, Yury Yanowsky

September 22, 2026 (Providence, RI) – Ballet Rhode Island has announced that a World Premiere based on the true Holocaust survivor story of Anka Nachtigal, mother of Rhode Island resident Lilliane Birch, will open the company’s 49th season as part of its In Motion program.

Ballet Rhode Island Expands Access Through Discover Dance Program

Discounted tickets to annual holiday production of The Nutcracker now available

PROVIDENCE, RI (September 16, 2026) – Ballet Rhode Island (Ballet RI) has announced that sales are now open for its Discover Dance performance of the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker, which will take place on Thursday, December 17 at 10:00 am at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence.

Ballet Rhode Island Announces Open Auditions for Children’s Cast of The Nutcracker

September 10, 2026 (Providence, RI) – Ballet Rhode Island (Ballet RI) will hold open auditions for the children’s cast of its annual production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 27 at 825 Hope Street in Providence, RI. The auditions are open to all young dancers ages 7-18 across New England. Selected dancers will rehearse weekly throughout the fall, leading up to performances December 19-28 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Ballet Rhode Island Launches New Strategic Plan, Adds Distinguished Artistic Faculty With Eye Toward 50th Anniversary

September 8, 2026 (Providence, RI) – As Ballet Rhode Island (Ballet RI) approaches its fiftieth anniversary in 2028, a new three-year strategic plan will position the company for its next era of artistic, educational, and organizational growth. The plan charts a path toward building a nationally recognized creative force in dance, one that is deeply rooted in Rhode Island, distinguished by artistic excellence, and sustained by education, community, disciplined stewardship, and courageous leadership.

Tickets for Ballet Rhode Island’s The Nutcracker on sale now!

Providence, RI (July 24, 2026) – It’s Christmas in July! Tickets for Ballet Rhode Island’s (Ballet RI) beloved holiday spectacular, The Nutcracker, are now on sale and the countdown to snowfall, sugarplums, and magic has officially begun.

Ballet Rhode Island Unveils Season 49: Icons In Motion

Providence, RI (June 23, 2026) – Ballet Rhode Island (Ballet RI) is proud to announce its 2026–2027 Season, an inventive year of live performance rooted in the stories, art, and music that have defined our world. Icons In Motion asks what happens when history’s most iconic figures, masterworks, and anthems are brought to life through the living, breathing art of dance.

“Season 49 is all about celebrating the artists and stories that inspire us. We’re excited to share bold new works alongside beloved classics, and to connect with our community in new ways.” — Kathleen Breen Combes, Ballet RI Artistic Executive Director