Welcome to a new season of live dance performances!

The power and beauty of ballet was never more clear than when it unexpectedly went away. We embark upon this new season invigorated, with joy in our hearts and unbridled excitement to share this invaluable and incomparable artform.

This season I am excited to present a fantastic collection of productions. Through timeless classics, The Nutcracker and Cinderella, we enjoy the mesmerizing stories that foster unparalleled performances worth revisiting year after year, decade after decade. With a new take on agency through a shifted perspective, The Taming of the Shrew explores the inspiration of William Shakespeare’s riotous reflection.

In Sarah’s Songs, we celebrate Austin’s own Sarah and Ernest Butler and their love for the arts with a trio of versatile works: George Balanchine’s neoclassical masterpiece Serenade, Jessica Lang’s contemporary Garden Blue, and the world premiere of my newest piece.

Returning to Austin after ten years, Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project follows the inspiring and profoundly impactful story of survivor Naomi Warren. Join us as we follow Naomi’s path and witness her courage, resistance, and resilience.

I hope this season, and the selection of stories we will tell, brings you much happiness and fulfillment. The dancers and I look forward to sharing this remarkable season.

STEPHEN MILLS
Sarah & Ernest Butler Family Fund Artistic Director

MARCH 31 – APRIL 2 | THE LONG CENTER

Illuminated through the powerful story of Holocaust survivor Naomi Warren (1920-2016), Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project takes the audience on a journey that shares Naomi’s story while making relevant connections to the present, told through the lens of dance. This full-length contemporary ballet follows Naomi’s path from a beautiful family with a rich culture and traditions, to utter dehumanization…and all along the way, we feel Naomi’s courage, resilience, and hope.

Choreographed and designed by Stephen Mills, Light has been a project of his for the past 20 years. The production has toured both nationally and internationally, featuring both the 84-minute dance and community-wide discussions focused on the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate. The music is composed of works by a number of notable contemporary writers. The décor and dress is of today, and spare. The story of “never again” is a warning of which we must always be mindful and diligent concerning the protection of human rights against bigotry and hatred.

On the other side of catastrophe is hope. 

     – Stephen Mills, Artistic Director, Ballet Austin

CHOREOGRAPHY | Stephen Mills

MUSIC | Steve Reich, Evelyn Glennie, Michael Gordon, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass

MAY 12-14 | THE LONG CENTER

This enduring rags-to-princess story offers the promise of “happily ever after.” Stephen Mills brings this treasured fairy tale of perseverance and love to life, with a compiled score from Alexander Glazunov and live accompaniment. Add a dose of humor to the majesty of classical ballet, and Cinderella becomes the perfect way to close Ballet Austin’s 2022/23 Season with four performances on Mother’s Day weekend. 

CHOREOGRAPHY | Stephen Mills

MUSIC | Alexander Glazunov

LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT | Austin Symphony Orchestra

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