LOUISVILLE, KY — The Louisville Ballet is stepping into a historic milestone. Today, the company officially announced its 75th Anniversary Season, marking three-quarters of a century as a cultural cornerstone while launching a transformative chapter under the leadership of Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp.
The 2026-2027 season is being described as “momentum unfolding,” blending the company’s storied legacy with a vision of “velocity” that includes daring premieres and a deeper integration into the Kentuckiana community.
“For 75 years, Louisville Ballet has shaped the cultural landscape of our community,” said Krutzkamp. “Now, we turn the page with vision and velocity.”
A Season of Gothic Horror, Holiday Magic, and World Premieres
Krutzkamp’s inaugural fully programmed season kicks off with a haunting masterpiece and concludes with high-octane contemporary works. Highlights include:
- Frankenstein: The season opens with Krutzkamp’s own choreography, bringing Mary Shelley’s Gothic classic to life with a fresh, visceral perspective.
- The Brown-Forman Nutcracker: A beloved Louisville holiday tradition returns to connect generations of families.
- Vegas-Inspired Carmen: Spring heats up with Andrea Schermoly’s vibrant, stylized take on the classic tale of passion.
- Bourbon & Ballet: Formerly known as the Choreographers’ Showcase, this event highlights original works created and performed by the company’s own dancers.
- Momentum: A dynamic triple bill featuring Adam Hougland’s K281, Alejandro Cerrudo’s Extremely Close, and a highly anticipated world premiere.
In an effort to create a more intimate experience, both Bourbon & Ballet and Momentum will be staged at Actors Theatre of Louisville, allowing for a closer connection between the performers and the audience.
The “Three-Legged Stool” of Dance
Krutzkamp describes the organization’s mission as a “three-legged stool” composed of the professional Company, robust community programs, and the Louisville Ballet School.
The impact of the Ballet currently extends far beyond the stage:
- Community Outreach: The company reaches over 31,000 people annually across the region, bringing dance into schools and community centers.
- Education: The Louisville Ballet School serves more than 1,200 students, offering everything from professional-track training to recreational classes for all ages.
“I want our dancers to be visible not just as performers on stage, but as artists and individuals who are woven into the fabric of this community,” Krutzkamp added.
To honor the diamond anniversary, The Filson Historical Society is curating a special exhibit documenting the Ballet’s 75-year journey. Featuring artifacts donated by the company and private individuals, the exhibit is scheduled to open to the public in mid-September 2026.
Ticket and Subscription Information
Current subscribers can renew their seats starting today by visiting louisvilleballet.org or calling the Box Office at 502-583-2623. Single tickets for the 75th Anniversary Season are expected to go on sale this summer.
For more information and a detailed look at the upcoming productions, contact Arricka Dunsford at 502- 376-9947.
Louisville Ballet 2026-2027 Season Schedule
Evening showtimes for all productions are 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances at 1:30 p.m.
Hamlet + Ophelia
August 5-9, 2026, in Central Park
Choreography by Roger Creel
Louisville Ballet returns for Kentucky Shakespeare’s annual free Shakespeare in the Park
festival with a new interpretation of Hamlet by Roger Creel.
Frankenstein
October 30-31, 2026, at The Brown Theatre
Choreography by Anthony Krutzkamp
Mary Shelley’s gothic novel is brought to life in an electric new production for Halloween
weekend. Exploring the humanity of Dr. Frankenstein’s shocking creation, this moving and
emotional interpretation asks the question: in this story of madness, abandonment, and
revenge, who is the real monster?
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
December 11-21, 2026, at Whitney Hall
Choreography by Val Caniparoli
Music by Tchaikovsky performed by the Louisville Orchestra
Discover unbelievable magic and unforgettable memories with this classic holiday tradition, featuring an enchanting cast of whimsical characters, spectacular costumes and sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by the Louisville Orchestra. This journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy is a tribute to the wonder and warmth of the holiday season, a delight for both the young and the young-at-heart.
Carmen
February 12-13, 2027, at The Brown Theatre
Choreography by Andrea Schermoly
Music by Georges Bizet and Rodion Shchedrin
Glamour and danger dance hand in hand in Andrea Schermoly’s extravagant reimagining of the
classic tale of Carmen, set in a shimmering 1973 Las Vegas. Beneath the neon lights and velvet
curtains, Carmen, a magnetic showgirl with a fierce heart and untamable spirit, lives by her own
rules. With two men vying for her affection, the heroine embarks on a tumultuous and
passionate affair that leads her to a heartbreaking fate.
Bourbon & Ballet
March 19-21, 2027, at Actors Theatre
Choreography by the Artists of Louisville Ballet
Take a sip of spectacular at this choreographers’ showcase, a tasting of unique works created by our Company and Studio Company Artists. Just like Kentucky bourbon, these new ballets are crafted with excellence in mind. Each ticket purchase will include one cocktail or mocktail on us.
Momentum
May 21-23, 2027, at Actors Theatre
Choreographers include Adam Hougland and Alejandro Cerrudo. A third choreographer will be named at a later date.
Experience an expertly curated collection of three contemporary works that represent the exciting forward momentum of ballet. Momentum features Alejandro Cerrudo’s Extremely Close, which sets intricate yet fluid choreography on a stage covered in feathers, Adam Hougland’s K281, a fast-paced, musical work to Mozart’s Piano Sonata K. 281, and a world premiere. This three-in-one production is perfect for fans of the unique, abstract, and unexpected nature of contemporary ballet.
