A.V.A. Ballet Theatre 2026 Season

Published January 30, 2026

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre 2026 Season

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, the resident ballet company of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, will offer its 32^nd season of classical and contemporary ballets in 2026. The three classical ballets at the Pioneer Center will be performed with the Reno Phil. The popular rock ballet will be performed at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at the Bartley Ranch Regional Park.

Filer image element — “Swan Lake” on April 11^th and 12^th

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre will begin its 2026 season with “Swan Lake” April 11^th and 12^th on the Pioneer Center stage. Choreographed by A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s artistic director, Alexander Van Alstyne, “Swan Lake is the captivating story of Odette who was turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. She tells the handsome Prince Siegfried that the only way the spell can be broken is if a man, pure in heart, pledges his love to her. Von Rothbart tries to keep the two apart but in the end, they ascend to the heavens above Swan Lake.

Tara Simoncic will be guest conducting the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Her biography states that this groundbreaking conductor was the first woman to conduct the prestigious American Ballet Theatre in the company’s 85-year history. She is known for her unique connection with musicians and audience members, bringing passion, warmth, and clarity to every performance.

As with all A.V.A. Ballet Theatre productions, guest principal dancers from major ballet companies such as Ballet West, San Francisco Ballet, and the Kansas City Ballet will perform with the large local cast of dancers.

One of the most popular shows during Artown is A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s rock ballet “Vortex, the Ballet That Rocks”. This year’s performances will be held July 17^th and 18^th at the beautiful Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre. “Vortex” is unique as it combines classical ballet with rock songs from today’s most popular performers. Imagine ballerinas performing grande jetés to music by Lady Gaga, Metallica and Katy Perry.

“Vortex” is a great way to see classical ballet in a different context. The lighting, sets and props are just as important as the dancing. They become part of the show. “Vortex is one of my favorite productions,” said Van Alstyne. “I can create emotions on stage that are not often seen in a classical ballet.”

“Vortex” is free to the public due to the generosity of several of our major sponsors. Because the ballet is free and wildly popular, it makes for some logistical challenges at the amphitheater. The fire marshal will only allow 900 people into the amphitheater. We have to give everyone attending the ballet a wristband. When we hit the 900 in attendance, we have to turn people away. Reno really does support the arts.

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre will continue our Fall classical season with the beloved “Sleeping Beauty”. The ballet will be performed at the Pioneer Center September 19^th and 20^th. The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the haunting score to this wonderful ballet. Re-staged and re-choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne, “Sleeping Beauty” is the story of a beautiful princess who is cursed by the evil Carabosse. Professional dancers from throughout the country will star in the lead rolls along with the large cast from A.V.A. Ballet Theatre.

I’ve said this many times over the years, once you’ve seen and heard a ballet performance with a live orchestra there is really no comparison to one with a recording. There is something special when you see two performing arts groups working together to entertain an audience.

Rounding out the 2026 ballet season will be the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” with the Reno Phil at the Pioneer Center December 11^th, 12^th and 13^th. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” is the single most attended non-profit performing arts event in all of Northern Nevada. Due to the popularity of this holiday classic, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre will continue to perform five shows.

“The Nutcracker” is the story of the young girl, Clara, and her toy nutcracker soldier. With the help of Herr Drosselmeyer, her magical uncle, Clara travels to the Land of the Sweets. While there, she sees the mysterious Arabians, charming Chinese dragon, the rambunctious children of Mother Ginger, toy soldiers, and dancing mice and their Mouse King.

The corps de ballet dancers from A.V.A. Ballet Theatre will perform exhilarating renditions of the “Waltz of the Flowers” with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and a snow scene with the Snow King and Queen. By the end of the show, Clara has found her prince charming and all is well in the world. Eight guest principal dancers will grace the stage in various lead roles. Laura Jackson will be conducting the Reno Phil. Tchaikovsky’s moving score is some of the best music you will ever hear. No one ever leaves “The Nutcracker” without a smile on their face.

For its 32^nd season, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre is once again bringing a great year of ballet to Northern Nevada. Please join us at the Pioneer Center and the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater and enjoy this stunning and entertaining art form.

Steve Trounday is a board member at A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, the resident ballet company of the Pioneer Center. The presentation of The Nutcracker is December 19-21 with the Reno Phil.