A beloved performing arts institution for over 70 years, led by Interim Artistic Director Samantha Dunster with Artistic Associate Gillian Murphy and Artist in Residence Ethan Stiefel, American Repertory Ballet (ARB) announces a 2025/26 season that elevates its classic repertoire alongside exciting new works, continuing to strengthen the company’s unique voice within the community.
A founding resident company of the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), American Repertory Ballet kicks the season off at its home venue with the return of Stiefel and Johan Kobborg’s lauded Giselle in October 2025, followed by a fairytale premiere of Cinderella in March 2026, and Americana, a mixed bill of World Premieres and celebrated works in May 2026. Additionally, ARB will present an evening of moonlit ballets at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Festival of the Moon in October 2025, and ARB’s celebrated touring production of The Nutcracker will return for the holiday season in November and December 2025 at venues throughout New Jersey.
“It will be a ‘season of seasons’ as ARB leans into a haunting October, magical family fun during the holidays, fairytale romance just after Valentine’s Day, and Americana fanfare to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary,” says Executive Director Julie Diana Hench. “We invite audiences of all ages to join us at the theater and make memories together, and to experience the transformative power of the performing arts.”
American Repertory Ballet’s 2025/26 season opens this October with the highly anticipated return of Ethan Stiefel and Johan Kobborg’s acclaimed adaptation of Giselle. A haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, Giselle tells the story of a young woman who dies of a broken heart—only to forgive her beloved from beyond the grave. Featuring emotionally powerful and technically stunning performances, this moving production had its world premiere at the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2012 and has since captivated audiences around the world, including at its ARB Company Premiere at NBPAC in 2023.
Experience dance like never before at the Festival of The Moon, presented by Union County Performing Art Center (UCPAC). On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:00PM, ARB will perform the iconic second act of Swan Lake and other works beneath “Museum of the Moon,” a luminous, 23-ft. diameter sculpture created by UK artist Luke Jerram, which will be suspended in mid-air over the Orchestra section at UCPAC’s Main Stage.
Set against Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score, Swan Lake transports audiences into the mesmerizing world of Odette, the swan princess, as she reveals her true form to Prince Siegfried. From the famous “Dance of the Cygnets” pas de quatre to the renowned romantic pas de deux, this fairytale scene promises to leave audiences of all ages spellbound.
Also featured will be Ethan Stiefel’s if, a poignant solo that traces the contours of love and loss set to “If I Could Only Fly” by American singer-songwriter and poet Blaze Foley; and Lar Lubovitch’s Something About Night, a mesmerizing dreamlike quintet set to the ethereal voices of Franz Schubert’s male choral songs. ARB is excited to share these impassioned and evocative works with audiences at UCPAC.
A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages. With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick.
Cinderella is the timeless tale of a young woman who, despite life’s hardships, discovers hope, love, and a magical future. Join ARB for an enchanting journey as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transforms her fate, a Prince wins her heart, and courage triumphs over cruelty. With choreography by Samantha Dunster, magical sets and costumes, an international roster of professional artists, and special guests from Princeton Ballet School, don’t miss this spellbinding production – a perfect fit for the whole family!
American Repertory Ballet’s 2025/26 season finale at NBPAC will shine bright with Americana — a vibrant mixed-repertoire performance that celebrates the spirit of our country in honor of its 250th anniversary. This dynamic program features two iconic works by George Balanchine – Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux and an excerpt from Stars and Stripes, with music by John Philip Sousa. Plus, two World Premieres by ARB Company Dancer Michelle Quiner and ARB’s acclaimed Artist in Residence, Ethan Stiefel, which will have audiences jumping to their feet.
For full details and tickets for American Repertory Ballet’s 2025/26 season, visit arballet.org.
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